“long live democracy, down with dictatorship!” echoed through the streets of Bamako on may 3 as hundreds gathered at the palais de la culture. The crowd, mobilized by a coalition of political parties, delivered a rare public rebuke to the military regime’s alleged plan to dissolve all political organizations in Mali.

Protesters waved banners and flags, demanding a return to elections and the restoration of fundamental freedoms. Security forces monitored the gathering without incident, and the event gained significant traction on social media platforms.

military regime’s tightening grip

On april 30, 2025, the transitional authorities repealed the law governing political parties, a decision widely interpreted as a precursor to their outright dissolution. This followed a junta-organized consultation process, which was overwhelmingly boycotted by opposition parties due to its perceived lack of legitimacy.

The proposed recommendations from the consultation go even further, advocating for the elimination of political parties altogether and granting interim president Assimi Goïta a five-year renewable mandate without elections.

The final decision now rests in the hands of general Goïta, who has led Mali since the 2020 and 2021 coups.

democracy under siege in Mali

This protest stands as one of the few public acts of dissent against the military regime since 2021. Since seizing power, authorities have intensified crackdowns on opposition figures, dissolved civil society groups, and restricted press freedoms.

Yet, the 1992 Malian constitution—as well as the new fundamental law enacted in 2023—guarantees multiparty democracy, freedom of expression, and association. The apparent contradiction between constitutional guarantees and military actions has fueled growing public frustration.

Mali, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, has distanced itself from ECOWAS, accusing the regional bloc of being overly aligned with France. Together, the three nations formed the alliance of Sahel states (AES), reinforcing a bloc of military-led governments across west africa.