Mali opposition parties dissolution proposal violates rights

In response to Mali’s proposal to dissolve all political parties following consultations on the revision of the Political Parties Charter, Ousmane Diallo, Sahel Researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Regional Office, issued a stark warning:

Dissolving political parties in Mali would represent a severe breach of fundamental freedoms, including the right to free expression and association. Authorities must halt their growing crackdown on civic space and uphold the rights of all citizens—especially critics, human rights defenders, and opposition members—to participate freely in public life.

Such a move would directly contradict the 2023 Transitional Constitution, which explicitly guarantees the formation and operation of political parties ‘freely within the framework established by law.’ It would also fly in the face of Mali’s international human rights obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which the country has ratified.

why the proposal is deeply concerning

Since seizing power, the military-led authorities in Mali have escalated restrictions on political activities, escalating a concerning trend that began in early 2024.

Between April and July 2024, the government issued decrees suspending all political party activities and banning media coverage of political events. Several parties publicly urged authorities to honor the Transitional Charter by holding elections that would restore constitutional order.

The national dialogue convened in May 2024—widely boycotted by opposition groups—recommended extending the transition period until the country achieves ‘stability.’ It also proposed tightening regulations for party formation and eliminating public funding for political organizations.

In June 2024, eleven opposition leaders were detained on charges of ‘conspiracy against state authority’ and ‘opposition to legitimate authority.’ After months in custody, they were granted provisional release in December 2024.