Mali cleric says crisis can be resolved without president resigning

Mahmoud Dicko, the Muslim cleric who is seen as the driving force behind mass protests is pictured during the interview with Reuters at his house, in Bamako, Mali July 29, 2020.

The Muslim cleric seen as the driving force behind Mali’s protest movement said the country’s political crisis could be resolved without President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigning, offering a more moderate solution than other opposition leaders.

At least 14 protesters were killed earlier this month in demonstrations that have shaken the government since June and raised fears the instability could derail the fight against Islamist extremists in West Africa’s Sahel region.