Mali’s military junta has disbanded all political parties following reports of opposition leaders’ arrests, drawing criticism from human rights organizations.
The move, confirmed by Assimi Goita, the military leader who seized power in 2020 and 2021, came after recent protests demanding a return to democratic rule.
In a televised statement, Goita validated the dissolution of the parties, which followed demonstrations on May 3 and 4 where protesters chanted slogans like “Down with dictatorship, long live democracy.”
The protests were a rare public outcry against the military government, which had pledged to hold elections by 2022 but failed to deliver.
The junta’s response has been swift. After an April conference recommended extending Goita’s presidency until 2030, the opposition and human rights groups condemned the proposal.
A decree issued on the eve of a planned protest on May 9 banned all political activities, forcing organizers to cancel the event and further solidifying the junta’s hold on power.
This crackdown coincides with disturbing reports of opposition figures disappearing. Human rights groups have accused the government of forcibly detaining and disappearing several politicians.
Notably, on Thursday, Human Rights Watch reported that Abba Alhassane, leader of the CODEM party, was abducted by masked gunmen, while El Bachir Thiam of the Yelema party was seized by unidentified individuals.
The junta has yet to comment on the arrests, but the increasing repression signals a tightening of control as opposition voices are silenced, and the country drifts further from its democratic ideals.
