Mali's Military Junta Takes Drastic Measures: All Political Parties Dissolved

Mali’s military junta has officially dissolved all political parties, intensifying its crackdown on dissent and raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country. This decision follows a series of protests against the junta’s increasing authoritarianism and the disappearance of several opposition figures.

Key Takeaways

Mali’s military government has dissolved all political parties, banning their activities nationwide.
The decision was announced after protests demanding a return to democratic governance.
Reports of forced disappearances of opposition leaders have emerged, raising alarm among human rights groups.
The junta, led by Assimi Goita, has postponed elections initially promised for February 2022.

Background of the Junta’s Rule

The military junta, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, first seized power in August 2020 amid escalating violence from armed groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda. Following a second coup in May 2021, Goita has maintained a tight grip on power, promising to restore democratic governance but repeatedly delaying elections.

In April 2025, a national conference organized by the junta recommended the dissolution of political parties and extended Goita’s presidency until 2030. This recommendation sparked protests in Bamako on May 3 and 4, where demonstrators chanted slogans like "Down with dictatorship, long live democracy."

The Dissolution of Political Parties

On May 13, 2025, the junta announced the dissolution of all political parties through a televised statement. The decree stated that all meetings of political organizations were banned across the country. This move effectively silences opposition voices and consolidates the junta’s power.

Suspension of Political Activities: Ahead of planned protests, the junta suspended all political activities, forcing opposition groups to cancel their demonstrations.
New Political Reforms: The junta has indicated that it will draft new laws to manage political life in Mali, aiming to reduce the number of political parties and potentially eliminate public funding for them.

Crackdown on Dissent

The dissolution of political parties coincides with alarming reports of forced disappearances of opposition figures. Human Rights Watch reported that Abba Alhassane, secretary-general of the Convergence for the Development of Mali (CODEM), was arrested by masked gunmen on May 8. On the same day, El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema party, was also reportedly abducted.

Fear Among Opposition: The disappearance of these leaders has created a climate of fear among opposition members, with many fearing for their safety.
Public Response: Despite the risks, some activists have vowed to continue their fight for democracy, stating that the struggle will persist even in the shadows.

International Reactions and Future Implications

The international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, has yet to respond formally to the junta’s latest actions. However, previous sanctions and diplomatic pressures have failed to alter the junta’s course.

As Mali’s political landscape becomes increasingly repressive, many citizens fear that the country is sliding back into a dictatorship reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes. The junta’s actions not only threaten the immediate political environment but also jeopardize the long-term stability and democratic aspirations of the Malian people.

In conclusion, the dissolution of political parties in Mali marks a significant step towards authoritarian rule, raising urgent questions about the future of democracy in the country and the safety of those who dare to oppose the junta.