In Mali, banks and gas stations that had previously gone on strike have ended their protest following an agreement with the junta. The National Union of Banks, Insurance Companies, Financial Institutions, Retailers, and Gas Stations (Synabef) initiated the strike on Thursday, demanding the release of three union members who were arrested a month ago and better working conditions.
Mali has been under military rule since a series of coups in 2020 and 2021, with the country struggling through a prolonged security crisis that began in 2012. After a meeting between Synabef representatives and a government delegation led by Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga, both sides agreed to suspend the strike.
A joint statement issued by Synabef and the Prime Minister’s office confirmed the agreement on 15 demands, leading to the suspension of strike action. While the statement did not provide specific details, a union source assured AFP that the three detained members would be released by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.
