In response to the Malian government’s proposal to dissolve all political parties following consultations on the revision of the Political Parties Charter, Ousmane Diallo, Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa office, issued a stark warning.
The proposal poses a severe threat to fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to free 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.
Dissolving political parties would directly contradict the 2023 Transitional Constitution, which explicitly protects their formation and operation. It would also undermine Mali’s international obligations under key human rights frameworks, such as 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 proposal threatens Mali’s democratic future
Since 2024, military authorities have escalated repression against political parties. Between April and July 2024, decrees suspended all political party activities and banned media coverage of political events. Many parties had called for adherence to the Transition Charter and the resumption of elections to restore constitutional order.
A May 2024 national dialogue, widely boycotted by opposition parties, recommended extending the transition period until the country stabilizes. It also proposed stricter regulations for party formation and the elimination of public funding for political organizations.
In June 2024, 11 opposition leaders were arrested on charges of conspiracy against the state and opposition to legitimate authority. They were granted provisional release in December 2024.
