Mali’s military-led government announced on Tuesday the dissolution of all political parties and organizations in the West African nation, marking the latest move to suppress dissent since the junta seized power in a 2021 coup.
The decree, signed by junta leader Colonel Assimi Goïta and read on national television by Political Reforms Minister Mamani Nassire, bans all political gatherings and activities. "Political parties and organizations of a political nature are dissolved throughout the national territory," Nassire stated. "It is forbidden for members of these groups to hold any meetings."
The decision follows weeks of escalating tensions, including the suspension of political activities on May 7 and a series of protests demanding a return to democratic rule. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Bamako in early May, calling for multi-party elections. A planned protest on May 9 was met with a government ban, and several pro-democracy activists have since disappeared, raising fears of a broader crackdown.
Mali has been under military control since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021. Though Goïta initially pledged to hold elections by February 2022, the vote was postponed indefinitely, citing "technical reasons." In April, transitional government ministers recommended extending his presidency until 2030—a proposal backed by the National Transitional Council, which voted Monday to dissolve political parties.
Critics say the move undermines reconciliation efforts. Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara called it "a severe blow to the reconciliation process" in a post on X. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported last week that two opposition leaders had vanished after participating in protests, possibly victims of forced disappearance. One was reportedly seized by masked gunmen claiming to be security forces, while another was taken by unidentified assailants outside Bamako.
The junta has faced growing criticism for restricting civic freedoms. UN experts condemned the May 7 suspension of political activities, while opposition groups formed a coalition of nearly 100 parties demanding a return to civilian rule by December 2025.
Authorities have also targeted international media, suspending French broadcaster TV5 Monde over coverage of the May 3 protests, which regulators deemed "lacking impartiality." Other French outlets also remain banned.
Despite the crackdown, Territorial Administration Director Abdou Salam Diepkile defended the dissolution, calling it a measure to curb "the proliferation of political parties." Former Justice Minister Mamadou Ismaila Konaté, however, accused the junta of systematically dismantling political opposition.
Mali’s crisis deepens as jihadist violence—linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates—continues to destabilize the country. The junta insists national unity is paramount, but with elections indefinitely delayed and dissent stifled, prospects for democracy remain uncertain.