Human rights advocates are sounding the alarm over a troubling proposal in Mali to dissolve all political parties following consultations on revisions to the Political Parties Charter. Ousmane Diallo, Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa, emphasized the severity of the situation, warning that such a move would severely undermine fundamental freedoms.
« The potential dissolution of political parties represents a blatant violation of the right to freedom of expression and association, » Diallo stated. « Authorities must halt the escalating crackdown on civic space and uphold the human rights of all Malians, including critics, human rights defenders, and opposition members. »
He stressed that the proposal contradicts the 2023 Transitional Constitution, which explicitly guarantees the right of political parties to « form and operate freely under conditions determined by law. » Additionally, he noted that such a measure would be inconsistent with Mali’s international human rights obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which the country has ratified.
why the proposal threatens democratic progress in Mali
Since 2024, Mali’s military leadership has intensified repression against political parties, escalating concerns about democratic backsliding. Between April and July 2024, authorities issued decrees suspending « party activities and political operations of associations, » while also banning media coverage of political events. Numerous parties had urged compliance with the Transitional Charter and the resumption of elections to restore constitutional order.
The national dialogue convened in May 2024—widely boycotted by political parties—proposed extending the transition period until the country achieves « stability. » Recommendations also included tightening party registration requirements and eliminating public funding for political organizations.
In June 2024, authorities detained and charged 11 opposition leaders with « conspiring against state authority » and « opposing legitimate governance. » Though provisionally released in December 2024, their arrests underscored the growing climate of intimidation and legal harassment targeting dissent.
