Banks, financial institutions, and gas stations across Mali have resumed operations after a nationwide strike was suspended on Friday, following a breakthrough agreement between the union and the country’s military-led government.
The strike, which began on Thursday, was organized by the National Union of Banks, Insurance Companies, Financial Institutions, Retailers, and Gas Stations (Synabef). The union had demanded the release of three detained members and improvements in working conditions.
Mali, which has been under military rule since successive coups in 2020 and 2021, continues to grapple with political instability and a prolonged security crisis that has persisted since 2012.
In a joint statement released late Friday by Synabef and the Prime Minister’s office, the strike was officially called off after successful talks with a government delegation led by Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga.
“We have reached agreement on the 15 points of demand. The Synabef board has decided to suspend its strike action,” the statement read, without disclosing specific terms of the agreement.
A union source told AFP that the three arrested union members are expected to be released by Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
