Mohamed Garba
Mali’s military government, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, has ordered the immediate dissolution of all political parties in the country, state television announced recently, marking a drastic escalation of authoritarian measures amid protests, suspended demonstrations, and reports of opposition figures disappearing. The move solidifies the junta’s grip on power and dashes hopes for a swift return to democratic rule in the West African nation.
The decision follows a contentious national conference last month, orchestrated by the junta, which recommended abolishing political parties and formally appointing Goita as president with a five-year mandate. While the military government framed the conference as a step toward “national reconciliation”, critics denounced it as a sham to legitimise authoritarian rule.
Public outcry erupted in early May, with hundreds of protesters flooding Bamako’s streets on 3 and 4 May, brandishing signs demanding multi-party elections and chanting, “Down with dictatorship, long live democracy.” A subsequent demonstration planned for 9 May was preemptively quashed when authorities suspended all political activities nationwide, forcing opposition groups to cancel their rally.
The dissolution coincides with alarming reports of opposition figures vanishing. Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealed on Thursday that Abba Alhassane, Secretary General of the CODEM party, was seized by masked gunmen claiming to be security forces on 8 May. The same day, El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema party, was reportedly abducted by unidentified men in Kati, a military stronghold near Bamako. HRW condemned the acts as “a dangerous pattern of silencing dissent”.
Goita first seized power in an August 2020 coup amid widespread frustration over the civilian government’s failure to curb violence linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates. The junta initially pledged to hold elections by February 2022 but has repeatedly delayed the process, citing security concerns. Analysts argue the latest crackdown reflects Goita’s intent to consolidate power indefinitely, leveraging instability caused by jihadist insurgencies.
Mali’s shift toward outright military rule deepens tensions with regional bodies like ECOWAS, which has pressured the junta to restore democracy. The dissolution of parties also risks further isolating Mali internationally, as Western allies withdraw support over the regime’s alleged ties to Russian mercenary group Wagner.