Gouagnon Coulibaly: “the URD is neither mine nor the group that supported me”

Published on 04.05.2023 at 5:00 p.m. by Interview by Mohamed Kenouvi

Confirmed President of the URD by the Supreme Court on April 12, Gouagnon Coulibaly received on May 2, 2023 at the party’s headquarters a certificate of recognition and a medal from the Association of young people committed to the cause of Mali (AJECM ). AT the end of the ceremony, the new strong man of the party of the Phandshake answered our questions.

You were confirmed 3 weeks ago President of the URD following the long legal battle between you and Pr. Salikou Sanogo. What actions are you going to take?

We are not turned against anyone, nor triumphalists. We had not wanted to go to court but the events forced us to do so. God doing things well, today we have turned this page. So let’s get together because Mali is more important than anything. We must unite to save him.

According to some information, those who were opposed to your presidency will create another political formation. Do you have fears for the future of the URD?

In reality, among these comrades, there are some who declared that they were going to leave the URD to create another party and others a movement. But many also say they do not want to leave the URD. At the moment, at the National Office, we have only received two resignations. With two resignations, one cannot speak of a real division. Among our comrades who disagree with us, many claim to be members of the URD and to be ready to continue the work begun with the late Soumaïla Cissé. We encourage them. The URD is neither mine nor the group that supported me, but all of us. What divides us is very little compared to what unites us.

What is your position on the Transition ?

We are in line with the authorities of the Transition to help them succeed, so that the reforms go well, starting with the draft Constitution, that people vote massively for yes and that the other reforms and elections take place in good conditions. We will spare no effort and we will remain available to the authorities, all the populations of Mali, to contribute our stone to the building of Mali, our common good. In the days and months to come, we will do everything to show Malians that the URD is a party that loves Mali and that will do everything to get the country back on its feet.