Mali becomes yet another African mess
There may yet be hope that the current military coup may not result in a military dictatorship. Happens all the time, right?
Actually, it happened in 1991, when the soldier who led a coup then stepped aside in favor of democracy. This is the same man who was due to step down next month and is now in hiding.
There was to be an election next month. Elections—real ones, the ones in which actual votes are actually counted—are very good. Good, good, good. Usually, military coups are bad. Ask the people who have had soldiers steal food, supplies, and gas from them in the last few days.
In 1783, the American Revolutionary army did not take action about the neglect they suffered.
In 1787, the government re-wrote itself and power was surrendered by some (state governments) to others (federal government) for the purpose of having a functional government.
In 1801, John Adams (mostly) quietly left office and let Thomas Jefferson take over. (Actually, he stuffed a bunch of offices before he left, but this is not the same as refusing to leave.)
To them I leave my gratitude, and hope, without much fervor, for the people of Mali.
UPDATE: I decided to check on my personal favorite for the Malian elections, Yeah Samake. As of the 22nd, he had made a statement to the press, which means he is probably safe.