Mali’s military government has officially dissolved all political parties and banned political meetings nationwide, intensifying its crackdown on dissent since seizing power in 2020 and 2021. A presidential decree announced on state television declared that “all meetings of members of political parties and organisations of a political character are dissolved across the national territory.”
The decree, signed by military leader Assimi Goïta, follows a national conference held last month that recommended dissolving all political parties and extending Goïta’s presidency for a five-year term. This move sparked widespread protests in the capital, Bamako, with demonstrators demanding a return to multi-party democracy.
Since last year, the junta has escalated repression of political activity, including the suspension of political parties and cancellation of opposition protests. Reports have emerged of opposition leaders being abducted by armed men claiming to be police officers, raising concerns about human rights violations.
The decree allows officials in political or administrative roles to continue their duties without party affiliation but does not specify penalties for non-compliance. Opposition groups have condemned the dissolution as a severe blow to democratic governance and reconciliation efforts.
The military regime has also withdrawn Mali from the regional bloc ECOWAS, aligning itself with neighboring military-led governments and pivoting towards alliances with Russia. The crackdown reflects the junta’s efforts to consolidate power and break from the old political elite perceived as aligned with former colonial powers.
The situation has drawn international concern as Mali moves further away from democratic norms amid ongoing political instability and conflict.
