In Pictures

In pictures: Mali after the coup

Pictures of life in Bamako as citizens begin to rebuild the country in the aftermath of last month’s tumultuous events.

A view of southern Bamako at dusk. Though calm now, Bamako is still reeling from the effects of the crisis in the north of the country and the political impasse after the military coup.

By Joe Penney

On the evening of March 22, junior officers in Mali’s army calling themselves the “National Committee for the Re-establishment of Democracy and the Restoration of the State” took control of the state TV and announced the suspension of the constitution and immediate transfer of power to themselves. Tuareg and Islamist rebels in the north of the country then used the leadership void in the capital to embark on an offensive that saw them take three major northern towns – Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal – in three consecutive days, effectively dividing the country in two.

Although regional body ECOWAS has held mediation talks with the military junta, leading to the establishment of constitutional rule and an interim president, Bamako is reeling from the coup’s aftershocks. The Malian political class is in shambles, the country is divided and thousands of northerners have fled to the capital, leaving their homes to escape the violence.

But for now, a calm prevails over Bamako as its residents gather their spirits to face the colossal task of rebuilding their beloved country.

Malians rally against aggression by Tuareg and Islamist rebels in the north of the country at Modibo Keita stadium in Bamako.

North Malians sing the Malian national anthem during a sit-in to call for humanitarian aid and weapons to fight Tuareg and Islamist rebels at a landmark in southern Bamako.

An ethnic Songhai man from the region of Gao during a protest against Tuareg and Islamist rebels at Modibo Keita. Many northern Malians from different ethnic groups feel that Tuaregs, who form a minority in their claimed homeland, have no right to their own state.

Men read newspaper headlines detailing Mali(***)s political crises at a kiosk.

A man holds up a sign that reads "The North cries, Sarkozy laughs" during a sit-in to call for humanitarian aid and weapons to fight Tuareg and Islamist rebels. Anti-French sentiment is growing in Mali because of a perceived French bias towards Tuareg rebels.

Paul Djily, manager of a Malian bus company, smokes a cigarette at his company(***)s office. He says that demand for transport from the northern regions of Gao and Timbuktu to Bamako has more than doubled since the start of hostilities there, as families flee the violence.

A Malian family escaping violence in Gao arrives at the Bamako bus station with all their belongings.

A security officer speaks on his cell phone while standing guard outside the military junta headquarters in Kati, 15 km from Bamako. Although they have formally relinquished power, the junta still controls the presidential palace.

Mali(***)s interim President Dioncounda Traore arrives at Bamako airport after spending two weeks in exile following the military coup d(***)etat. A divisive figure, Traore faces many obstacles in his bid to reunite the country.

Boys run after the winner of a horse race at the Bamako racetrack. Despite Mali(***)s multiple crises, Bamako residents busy themselves with their daily routines and make time for leisure activities.

A podium decked out in the colours of Mali(***)s flag is seen on a stadium pitch before a rally against Tuareg and Islamist rebels at a stadium in the capital Bamako. Many Bamako residents attribute the seizure of Mali(***)s north by the rebels to a lack of strong leadership.