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 by military leader Assimi Goita amid rising protests demanding a return to democracy.
• Reports of forced disappearances of opposition leaders have emerged, heightening fears of repression.
• The junta’s actions signal a significant shift away from promised democratic reforms.

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 control, promising elections that have yet to materialize.

In April 2025, a national conference organized by the junta recommended extending Goita’s presidency until 2030, a move that sparked widespread protests in Bamako on May 3 and 4. Demonstrators called for multi-party elections, chanting 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, stating that all political meetings were banned across the country. This decree was read on state television and followed an emergency government meeting.

• Key Points of the Decree:
  • All political activities are suspended.
  • Political party members can no longer act on behalf of their parties.
  • New laws will be drafted to manage political life in Mali, potentially reducing the number of parties.

This move has been met with outrage from opposition groups, who argue that it undermines the constitution and threatens democracy.

Crackdown on Dissent

The dissolution coincides with alarming reports of abductions 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 seized in Kati, a town near Bamako.

• Recent Disappearances:
  • Abba Alhassane (CODEM)
  • El Bachir Thiam (Yelema)
  • Abdoul Karim Traore (youth leader, CODEM)

These incidents have sent a chilling message to those opposing the junta, as many fear for their safety and the future of political expression in Mali.

International Response 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 efforts have failed to alter the junta’s course.

As Mali’s political landscape becomes increasingly repressive, many citizens worry that the country is entering a dangerous new chapter under military rule, reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes. The junta’s actions not only threaten the immediate political environment but also raise concerns about Mali’s long-term stability and governance.

In conclusion, the dissolution of political parties in Mali marks a significant regression in the country’s democratic journey, with the junta’s grip on power tightening amid growing dissent and international scrutiny.

Sources

• Mali’s military government dissolves political parties, Punch Newspapers.
• Mali dissolves all political parties after opposition figures ‘arrested’ | Politics News, Al Jazeera.
• Mali’s junta dissolves all political parties amid crackdown on dissent, Business News Nigeria.
• Mali dissolves all political parties as opposition figures disappear, RFI.
• Mali junta dissolves all political parties in latest opposition crackdown, BBC.