Mali authorities urged to drop plan to dissolve political parties

In response to Mali’s proposal to dissolve all political parties following consultations on revisions to the Political Parties Charter, Ousmane Diallo, Sahel Researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Regional Office, issued a stark warning:

This alarming proposal poses a severe threat to democratic freedoms in Mali, particularly the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and association. Authorities must halt their escalating crackdown on civic space and uphold the human rights of all Malians—including critics, human rights defenders, and opposition members.

The potential dissolution of political parties directly contradicts the 2023 Constitution enacted by transition authorities, which explicitly safeguards the formation and free operation of political parties under legally defined conditions.

Furthermore, such a move would violate Mali’s international human rights obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which the country has ratified.

why the push to dissolve political parties in Mali raises red flags

Since seizing power, Mali’s military-led government has escalated its suppression of political opposition. Between April and July 2024, authorities suspended political party activities and restricted media coverage of political events through decrees. Multiple parties had urged compliance with the Transition Charter and the swift restoration of constitutional order through elections.

A national dialogue convened in May 2024, largely boycotted by political parties, recommended extending the transition period until the country achieves “stability.” Additional proposals included tightening party registration rules and eliminating public funding for political organizations.

In June 2024, authorities detained 11 opposition leaders on charges of “conspiracy against the state” and “opposition to legitimate authority.” Though provisionally released in December 2024, their arrests underscore the growing repression of dissent in Mali.