By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Mali’s ruling military junta has officially disbanded all political parties, escalating its grip on power amid growing unrest and international condemnation.
The sweeping ban came after mounting pressure from human rights organizations, who reported a wave of enforced disappearances targeting opposition leaders. The move was confirmed in a national broadcast by Colonel Assimi Goita, who has led Mali since staging military coups in 2020 and 2021.
This latest crackdown follows a wave of anti-government protests earlier this month, where demonstrators called for a return to civilian rule. On May 3 and 4, crowds gathered with banners denouncing the military regime and demanding democratic reforms.
Adding to public outrage was a recent national conference in April, which proposed extending Goita’s presidency until 2030. The recommendation drew sharp criticism from political opponents and rights advocates, who accused the junta of consolidating power under the guise of security concerns.
In response to a planned protest last Friday, authorities issued a decree banning all political activity—a prelude to Tuesday’s announcement officially dissolving political parties nationwide.
Reports of political arrests and disappearances have intensified. Human Rights Watch stated that Abba Alhassane, secretary-general of the opposition party CODEM, was abducted by masked assailants. On the same day, Yelema party leader El Bachir Thiam was reportedly seized in the town of Kati, near Bamako.
A member of CODEM told Reuters anonymously that the party had lost contact with youth leader Abdoul Karim Traore and feared he too had been taken.
Government officials have yet to comment on the allegations.
Goita originally seized power amid rising violence from armed groups linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda. In July 2020, public protests against the previous government ended in bloodshed, with at least 14 civilians killed by security forces before the military ousted elected leaders.
In a December 2024 report, Human Rights Watch accused Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries of executing civilians and destroying villages during counterinsurgency operations in central and northern regions.
Mali now faces deepening political isolation and fears of further repression as its military leadership tightens its hold on power.
