Mali millitary Junta Leader Colonel Assimi Goïta [Photo courtesy; Reuters]
The Mali military junta has banned and suspended all political parties and associations in the country saying that the move is meant to maintain public order.
The suspension comes after about 80 political parties and civic groups demanded elections as soon as possible. The previous military had earlier on promised to hold elections in March this year, however the current junta has postponed the elections and all political activities to maintain public order.
However, On Thursday, civil society organizations and political parties in Mali rejected the order of the ruling junta to halt political activity. One opposition leader referred to this as a “dictatorial” move, and both parties promised to contest the order in court.
The Human Rights Watch has said that the suspension violates both Malian law and the rights to freedom of expression , association and assembly under the international Human Rights Law.
On the 10th of April 2024, the council of ministers adopted a decree on Wednesday suspending the activities of political parties and associations across the country. Th e previous millitary had promised to hold elections in March 2024 however the current millitary suspended it saying it was in a bid to maintain public order in the country.
The Malian Communications Regulatory Body had also directed all media to stop broadcasting on political parties and associations in the country.
The current military junta seized power through a coup in May 2021 led by Colonel Assimi Goita overthrowing then president Bah N’daw. The Junta promised to restore civilian leadership in March 2024