Mali’s Military Rule Deepens as Political Parties Are Outlawed Nationwide

Bamako, Mali | May 15, 2025 — In a dramatic escalation of authoritarian rule, Mali’s military government has officially dissolved all political parties and banned their activities, plunging the nation deeper into political uncertainty and drawing global condemnation.

The announcement was made on state television by Minister Mamani Nassire, citing the need to preserve “public order and national unity.” The sweeping decree, signed by junta leader Colonel Assimi Goïta, eliminates all formal platforms for political expression across the country.

This latest move follows widespread pro-democracy protests earlier this month, where citizens rallied against the junta’s efforts to extend military rule and silence dissent. In response, authorities had already suspended political activities on May 7, and now, the full dissolution marks the most repressive step yet since the military seized power in back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021.

Human rights groups have sounded the alarm, reporting a surge in political repression, including the abductions of opposition figures such as Alassane Abba of the CODEM party and El Bachir Thiam of Yelema. The crackdown has raised fears of further instability in a region already grappling with insurgency and economic hardship.

Observers warn that by erasing political pluralism, the junta is dismantling the last remaining pillars of Mali’s fragile democracy. International organizations, including ECOWAS and the African Union, are closely monitoring the situation, with calls mounting for urgent diplomatic intervention.

As Mali slips further from democratic governance, the fate of civil liberties and future elections remains dangerously unclear.

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