A coalition of political parties in Mali has filed a series of legal appeals contesting a recent ban imposed by the ruling military government on all political activity.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, the opposition groups confirmed they had lodged petitions with six high courts in the capital, Bamako, as well as with the administrative chamber of the Supreme Court. The appeals aim to overturn a presidential decree that dissolved all political parties and civil society organizations earlier this month.
The decree, issued by the military leadership under General Assimi Goita, also prohibits political meetings. The parties argue that the move is unconstitutional, saying it infringes on basic freedoms, including the right to associate, assemble, and engage in public life.
Currently, Mali has around 300 registered political entities. The government claims that the ban is intended to reduce fragmentation and improve governance. However, critics see it as part of a broader clampdown on civil liberties since the military seized power through coups in 2020 and 2021.
The government’s latest decision follows recommendations from a national dialogue held in late April, which called for stricter regulations on forming political parties and proposed a new five-year term for General Goita, with the possibility of renewal. This comes despite earlier commitments to return Mali to civilian rule by March 2024.
Earlier this week, a group of Malian intellectuals — including writers, lawyers, and economists — published an open letter condemning what they described as a “violation of fundamental rights” by the military regime. They urged the junta to negotiate a new electoral roadmap and demanded the release of all political prisoners.
While the 1992 constitution guarantees multiparty democracy and freedoms of expression and association — principles the government reaffirmed in 2023 — rights groups warn that the government is steadily eroding these protections.
Mali continues to face significant internal strife, including ongoing violence from armed insurgent groups and organized criminal networks, particularly since the 2012 crisis.