In Mali, the transitional government on Wednesday banned street demonstration by a group of persons over the presence of French troops in the country.

The chief of staff to the Governor of Bamako -Daniel Dembele, cited health concerns as the reason for the ban.

Since 2013, The Sahel troubled state has received military support from France to aid its fight against jihadists and curb terrorist related crimes.

The French troops under the operation Barkhane, have been criticized on social media and by rights activists about reported rights violation, including the most recent in January – when 20 civilians were killed in an air strike.                                

However, many in the country fear for the fate of Mali, should the troops evacuate.

Abdullahi Niang is a Malian Security analyst.