Imam critical of Malian junta postpones return from exile

The return to Mali of a prominent imam critical of the ruling junta has been "postponed", his close allies said on Friday before his expected arrival in the capital, Bamako.

The authorities ordered a significant security presence around the airport for the arrival of Mahmoud Dicko, who inspired a protest movement that preceded the fall of former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in a 2020 coup.

He supported the military takeover at first then distanced himself from them, going on to become one of the most critical voices of the regime and advocated for a return to civilian rule.

Dicko had been living in Algeria since December 2023 and his return had been anticipated for several months.

The religious leader is one of few Malians who dare to openly criticise the junta and who can mobilise support despite the crackdown on freedoms in daily life.

The announcement about his return caused concern among military leaders, who in March 2024 dissolved one of his supporters groups.

Traffic jams built up around the airport on Friday where there was a visible heavy police presence, an AFP journalist said.

But in a statement, the Imam Mahmoud Dicko Support Commission said he decided to postpone his return because of the deployment, citing "national unity and the greater good".

"This decision aims to avoid any confrontation with our law enforcement officers," it added.

The junta, led by General Assimi Goita after a double coup in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 said the military would cede power to civilians after a transition period ending on March 26, 2024 and presidential elections held that February.

But they have since announced the vote has been postponed, without specifying a new date.

Its rule has been characterised by a crackdown on political dissent, using the courts and by disbanding organisations and restricting press freedom.