Mali’s military leader, Gen. Assimi Goita, announced the suspension of political party activities on Wednesday, citing the need to maintain “public order.” The decree, aired on national television, affects political parties, associations, and organizations across the nation and will remain in place “until further notice.”
This decision comes ahead of a planned protest on Friday in Bamako. Political parties had mobilised to demand a return to constitutional order and to oppose a controversial proposal to dissolve political parties entirely.
Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021. Despite a pledge to return to civilian rule by March 2024, the government recently postponed elections indefinitely.
Political activities were first suspended in April 2024 but were briefly reinstated in July. The latest suspension marks a significant escalation in tensions between the military government and opposition groups.
Mali, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023. This political and security coalition has redefined the region’s international alignments, including withdrawals from both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).
The suspension of political activities signals a deepening crisis as the government faces increasing calls for democratic reforms and civilian rule.
