Opposition figures have been tapping into a wellspring of anger over the president's perceived failures in tackling the dire economy, corruption and an eight-year jihadist conflict. Nouhoun Sarr, one of the protest movement leaders, told AFP overnight Monday to Tuesday that the opposition has "decided to observe a truce on the subject of civil disobedience. Issa Kaou Djim, another protest movement figure, said the truce was a "very responsible and wise decision". Thursday's talks follow on the heels of a mediation mission from the West Africa bloc Ecowas, which ended Sunday after failing to reconcile the president with the opposition. But the June 5 Movement had earlier rejected any outcome that does not include Keita's departure -- a demand opposition leaders have insisted on for weeks.

Source: Daily Nation July 21, 2020 04:07 UTC