Chanting slogans like “Long live democracy, down with dictatorship!”, several hundred demonstrators gathered at Bamako’s Cultural Palace to protest against the military regime’s reported intentions to dissolve political parties. This unprecedented mobilization comes during a period of heightened political tensions in Mali.

Protesters waved flags and held signs demanding elections and fundamental freedoms. The peaceful march, monitored by security forces, gained significant traction on social media platforms.

Escalating political repression

On April 30th, the transitional authorities repealed the law governing political parties, a move widely seen as a precursor to their dissolution. This decision followed a controversial consultation process organized by the military junta, which was largely boycotted by opposition parties.

The junta’s recommendations propose not only the elimination of political parties but also the appointment of General Assimi Goïta as President for renewable five-year terms, effectively bypassing elections.

General Goïta, who has led Mali since the 2020 and 2021 coups, now holds the final decision-making power.

Democracy under siege

This demonstration represents one of the few public acts of defiance against Mali’s military regime since 2021. Since seizing power, authorities have intensified crackdowns on opposition figures, dissolved civil society organizations, and restricted press freedoms.

Ironically, both the 1992 Constitution and the 2023 Fundamental Law claim to uphold multiparty systems, freedom of expression, and association rights.

Mali’s recent withdrawal from ECOWAS and its alignment with Burkina Faso and Niger through the Alliance of Sahel States has further consolidated a regional bloc of military governments.