Army coup seizes power in Mali

On the 19th of November, 1968, the African nation of Mali encountered a significant transposition of power that would eventually shape its socio-political landscape in the forthcoming years. On this particular date, an army coup masterfully seized control over the country, replacing their constitutionally-elected bodies with military personnel. This article explores this pivotal turning point in Mali’s history, delving into the reasons and ramifications of this audacious feat of military might.

The lead-up to the army coup featured a plethora of economic hardships compounded by extensive political corruption. The republic of Mali, only eight years into its newfound independence from French rule, was grappling with rapidly escalating socio-economic challenges. A crippling combination of drought, soaring inflation, and stark poverty, coupled with rampant government corruption, had left the populace aggrieved and disillusioned. The palpable discontent among the masses created the perfect breeding ground for revolutionary changes — changes that were ushered in with the army coup of November 1968.

The architects of the coup were a group of ambitious young officers headed by Lieutenant Moussa Traore. Their collective dissatisfaction with the existing regime and its exploitative practices led to a meticulously planned overthrow. The coup began in the early hours of 19th November, where they disarmed the presidential guard and swiftly occupied vital administrative buildings. Within a matter of hours, the capital, Bamako, was under their full control.

In the aftermath of the successful coup, Lieutenant Moussa Traore emerged as the country’s de facto ruler. He swiftly suspended the constitution, dissolved the legislature, and declared Mali a military-led country. The junta, termed as Military Committee for National Liberation (CMLN), vowed to address the socio-economic woes that had beleaguered the nation, promoting an end to corruption, inequality, and the initiation of economic reforms—a promise that would resonate deeply with the masses.

Traore’s reign, however, was a perplexing blend of autocracy and reformist policies. On one hand, political liberties were considerably curtailed, with every opposition being ruthlessly suppressed. On the other side, he sought to spatially and economically develop Mali, initiating crucial infrastructure projects and incorporating innovative economic policies. Under his tenure, Mali gradually transformed from a beleaguered nation to a marginally stable, albeit autocratic, country.

The army coup of 1968 did not just signify the change of guard in Mali, but also pointed to deeper, systemic issues pervading African politics during the time. Corruption, economic mismanagement, and the relentless pursuit of power were recurring themes not just in Mali but across many newly independent African countries. Despite the coup’s brief semblance of stability, it largely sailed the nation towards a tumultuous journey fraught with political instability and human rights violations.