Mali’s military government has halted the operations of political parties indefinitely, following a rare pro-democracy demonstration.
The decree, signed by transitional president General Assimi Goita, cited ‘public order’ concerns and applies to all political associations, as reported by state media.
This action comes just a week after the repeal of a law regulating political party operations, which legal experts view as a move towards their dissolution.
In reaction, a coalition of numerous parties has emerged, demanding an end to the political-military transition by December 31 and a restoration of constitutional governance.
On Saturday, this coalition gathered hundreds in Bamako to protest against the military government’s decision, with another demonstration anticipated later this week.
Cheick Oumar Doumbia, a leader of the recent protest, expressed that he was ‘not surprised’ by the decree, stating, ‘I expected this because this is their way of preventing us from carrying out our activities, but we will continue to defend democracy in Mali.’ He emphasized the people’s commitment to democracy.
General Goita came to power following coups in 2020 and 2021, and a national political conference last week suggested he should be appointed president for a renewable five-year term.
Notably, in 2024, the government had previously suspended political party activities for three months.
