On Wednesday, Malian authorities issued a decree through government spokesperson Abdoulaye Maiga, announcing a ban on political party activities. This action comes amidst growing pressure on the ruling army junta to facilitate elections.
Maiga conveyed the decree via state television in the evening, stating that the ban was implemented to safeguard public order. However, the statement did not specify any specific threats posed by political parties to public order.
As of now, there is no indication of when the suspension on political activities will be lifted.
Mali has been under military rule since August 2020. Last September, the junta suggested it would not fulfill its commitment to hold elections, originally scheduled for February, citing technical challenges. No new timeline for elections has been proposed.
Following the lapse of the transition deadline in March without a vote, several political parties and civil society organizations have voiced their demand for prompt elections.
