Mali’s Goita whips to crack dissent
Mali’s military junta has dissolved all political parties nationwide amid escalating crackdowns on dissent since seizing power. A presidential decree read on state TV on Tuesday announced the suspension of all political meetings and activities across the country. The order, signed by military leader Assimi Goïta—who took power after coups in 2020 and 2021 comes despite his pledge to hold elections with the junta remaining in control for at least another five years.
The move is likely to trigger increased resistance from opposition parties demanding a return to democracy. Last week, following a rare pro-democracy protest two opposition leaders were abducted by armed men claiming to be police but authorities have not commented on these arrests.
A national conference organized by the regime but boycotted by major opposition groups recommended extending Goïta’s rule until 2030 prompting widespread condemnation from critics and human rights organizations. The decree warned Malians against ignoring the dissolution but did not specify penalties. It stated that individuals in political or administrative roles could continue working without party affiliation.
This order follows the suspension of political activities, another recommendation from the conference which had already sparked protests that were later postponed. Opposition leaders condemned the crackdown; Nouhoum Togo of the Union for the Safeguarding of the Republic (USR) urged people to value their political voice despite suppression while Moussa Mara, a former prime minister called it a severe setback to reconciliation efforts.
Analysts suggest the junta aims to break away from old political elites associated with France shifting regional alliances toward Russia by forming partnerships with Burkina Faso and Niger. Mali has also withdrawn from ECOWAS, the regional bloc over its demands for democratic restoration with Burkina Faso and Niger following suit.
