Mali’s constitutional court has declined to address a case challenging the military junta’s decision to suspend political party activities, citing its own lack of jurisdiction.
Additionally, the court dismissed a request to address Mali’s legal and institutional vacuum, opting to defer to other branches of government.
In a statement obtained by media on Saturday, the court deemed itself “incompetent” to consider the challenge against the junta’s decree, which halted political party operations and restricted media coverage.
This decree came after the junta failed to transition power to a civilian government by the agreed-upon deadline.
Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of the junta, issued the decree in an effort to maintain public order amid escalating security challenges posed by armed jihadist and separatist groups. Despite earlier commitments to hold presidential elections, the junta postponed the process, prompting regional pressure from ECOWAS.
The constitutional court clarified that matters pertaining to the presidential decree fall within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Regarding concerns over Mali’s institutional vacuum, the court noted that it had not received requests for adjudication from relevant governmental bodies such as the prime minister and parliamentary speaker.
Mali has been beset by conflict since 2012, with various factions linked to Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State group, self-defense militias, and criminal elements contributing to instability.
Since the ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in 2020, the Bamako junta has pursued a realignment of foreign relations, distancing itself from France and strengthening ties with Russia.
