What events led to the 2020 military coup in Mali?

The 2020 military coup in Mali was driven by deep-seated public frustration with the administration of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. Several key factors contributed to this instability:

• Security and Economic Crisis: Persistent security challenges and a weak economy fueled widespread discontent among the populace.12
• Contested Elections: National Assembly elections were repeatedly delayed due to insecurity. When they were finally held in early 2020, the Constitutional Court overturned results for approximately 30 seats, effectively increasing the number of seats held by Keïta’s party. This decision triggered months of protests led by a coalition of opposition groups known as the 5 June Movement–Rally of Patriotic Forces (M5-RFP).12

On August 18, 2020, military forces marched to Bamako and arrested Keïta and other senior officials. Following his resignation and the dissolution of the government and National Assembly, a military junta—the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP)—assumed control of the country.12