“Long live democracy, down with dictatorship!” echoed through Bamako’s Palais de la Culture on May 3rd, where hundreds gathered at the urging of a coalition of political parties. This unprecedented mobilization comes as fears mount over an alleged authoritarian shift by the military regime under General Assimi Goïta.

Protesters, waving signs and flags, demanded elections and the preservation of fundamental freedoms. The demonstration, closely monitored by security forces without incident, gained significant traction on social media platforms.

Escalating political crackdown

On April 30th, authorities repealed the law governing political parties, a move widely seen as a precursor to their dissolution. This decision followed a junta-organized consultation, boycotted by most opposition parties.

The controversial recommendations emerging from this process go even further: they propose the outright elimination of political parties and the appointment of General Goïta as President of Mali for five years, renewable without elections.

The final decision now rests with Assimi Goïta, who has led Mali since the 2020 and 2021 coups.

Eroding democratic values

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 organizations, and restricted press freedoms.

Despite these actions, Mali’s 1992 Constitution and the 2023 Fundamental Law still uphold multiparty systems, freedom of expression, and association rights.

Alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, Mali has withdrawn from ECOWAS—accused of aligning too closely with France—and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), strengthening the West African military axis.