Mali opposition to 'step up' anti-government protests

Opposition groups in Mali say they will intensify anti-government protests starting Tuesday which will culminate in mass rallies to be held on Friday and Saturday.

Representatives of the June 5 Movement (M5) said they had "stepped up" protests against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

A series of protests including a women's march have been planned for this week.

The protests took a break during the Eid festivities and resumed last week on Tuesday but the demonstrators were dispersed with tear gas.

The opposition has blamed the government for economic decline, alleged corruption and for failing to deal with a long-running jihadist insurgency.

Regional efforts to bring an end to the crisis have failed, with the opposition refusing to compromise on their demand that the president resigns.