Mali Suspends All Political Parties Amid Growing Tensions

Mali’s military-led government has suspended the operations of all political parties and politically affiliated associations, citing concerns over public order. The decree, signed by transitional president General Assimi Goita, comes just days after a pro-democracy protest in the capital.

The move follows last week’s repeal of a law governing the functioning of political parties an action widely seen by legal analysts as laying the groundwork for dissolving party structures altogether.

In response, a coalition of political groups had recently called for an end to the military-led transition by December 31 and a return to constitutional rule.

General Goita has held power since leading coups in 2020 and 2021. A recent national political forum proposed that he remain president for a renewable five-year term, raising concerns about the indefinite extension of military rule in the West African nation.