(Ecofin Agency) - In Mali, the position of head of the Broadcasting office (Ortm) is now vacant. Bally Idrissa Sissoko, the former director of the institution has resigned.

One thing is sure. That is Mr. Sissoko is gone. However, conditions for his leaving are still a little unclear. Truly, online news Maliactu.net among others reported: “The news landed on January 20. The appointment decree of Bally Idrissa Sissoko was repealed during the last council of Ministers”. However, the news site said on February 2, 2016 that the director rather resigned.

More importantly, Maliactu.net adds that Bally Idrissa Sissoko, in his letter of resignation, accuses Minister of Communication Choguel K. Maiga and government of “power abuse and unacceptable political interference”. “Even under intimidation and harassment, my convictions of integrity, honesty, respect of protocol, and my values cannot allow me to agree to your condition for collaboration,” He added.

It should be reminded that, Ortm’s employees, between December 2015 and January 2016, went on two strikes. Claims of Ortm’s union committee could very well explain the reason behind the disagreement between Bally Idrissa Sissoko and Ortm’s administration.

Indeed, the restructuring of the office is denounced. The restructuring involves the separation of the firm into two distinct entities (radio and television). However, Ortm remains a public administrative establishment (Epa) while the union committee demands it be changed into a commercial public establishment (Epic). Other claims include the re-establishment of the advertising department, giving employees of the communication industry a specific status, compensating all agents who have suffered prejudice during the March 22 coup in 2012, in addition to the launching of Ortm’s biggest projects.

Assongmo Necdem