Mali’s military government has dissolved all political parties, citing concerns over instability and unrest.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision, validated by junta leader Assimi Goita, comes after weeks of protests demanding a return to democratic rule. Goita, who seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, has faced criticism from human rights groups over allegations of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of opposition figures.
The dissolution of political parties follows a national conference recommendation to extend Goita’s presidency until 2030, which was met with widespread condemnation. In response to planned protests, the military government issued a decree suspending all political activities across the country, effectively forcing opposition groups to cancel demonstrations.
Human rights groups have reported several cases of enforced disappearances of opposition figures, including Abba Alhassane, secretary-general of the Convergence for the Development of Mali (CODEM), and El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema party.
A CODEM member expressed concern over the disappearance of Abdoul Karim Traore, a youth leader, saying, “The party has lost contact with him, and we fear he too has been abducted.”
The military government has not commented on the reported arrests. Goita’s rule has been marked by a worsening security crisis, with armed groups affiliated with ISIL and al-Qaeda launching frequent attacks. The dissolution of political parties has further entrenched the military’s grip on power, raising concerns about Mali’s democratic future.
