Mali’s military-led transitional government has officially dissolved all political parties and organizations of a political nature, a significant escalation in the country’s deepening political crisis. The move, confirmed through a presidential decree broadcast on state television Tuesday, also bans political gatherings and meetings.
The announcement follows a decision earlier in the day by transitional President Assimi Goita to suspend the charter governing political parties, clearing the path for full dissolution. The decree stated that officials working within political or administrative institutions may continue their duties, but without identifying as representatives of political parties.
This development has heightened concerns over Mali’s direction under military rule, particularly following coups in 2020 and 2021. Since then, the government has faced growing pressure to restore civilian governance, a promise it had originally committed to fulfill by March 2024 but later abandoned.
Last month, a government-backed national consultation proposed extending Goita’s presidency by five years — renewable and without an electoral mandate — further angering the opposition. That proposal was largely boycotted by political opponents, who view it as an attempt to entrench military power.
Opposition groups, fearing the outright dismantling of political institutions, had recently formed a broad coalition of around 100 parties. In a rare display of dissent, the coalition held a protest in Bamako earlier this month, drawing hundreds who demanded a return to constitutional rule by December 2025.
Reacting to the decree, Mali’s Director General of Territorial Administration, Abdou Salam Diepkile, defended the decision, stating it was intended to curb the excessive proliferation of political parties in the country. However, critics argue the move is a clear effort to silence dissent.
Former Justice Minister Mamadou Ismaila Konate criticized the government in a recent opinion piece, accusing it of systematically dismantling political opposition and undermining democratic institutions.
International observers, including UN experts, have condemned the government’s restrictions on political activity. Mali also faces ongoing insecurity, with large parts of the country under threat from armed groups and other extremist factions.
The media has also come under fire. The government recently suspended French broadcaster TV5 Monde, accusing it of biased reporting on the May 3 protest. Other French outlets such as France 24 and Radio France Internationale have been permanently banned.
As Mali’s political landscape continues to shrink under military rule, calls for a clear roadmap to democratic transition are growing louder both at home and abroad.