Mali's Junta Temporarily Suspends Political Party Operations

In a significant development from Mali, the military junta has declared an indefinite pause on the operations of political parties and politically inclined organizations, citing the need to uphold public order. This announcement was made by government spokesperson Abdoulaye Maiga on state-run television.

Since overtaking control in August 2020, marking the commencement of a series of eight coups across West and Central Africa, Mali has been under military governance.

The neighboring nations of Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced similar upheavals.

The Malian junta, after its second coup in 2021, had pledged the reinstatement of civilian governance by March 26, 2024, following elections set for February of the same year.

However, the elections were indefinitely deferred last September due to "technical reasons," igniting protests among political factions.

The lapse of the transition deadline last month without conducting elections stirred further dissatisfaction among major political entities and civil society groups in Mali. On March 31, a collective demand for a clear electoral timeline was voiced by prominent political parties and groups, including a significant opposition alliance and the party of the deposed former president.

This joint statement, endorsed by over 20 signatories, emphasized their commitment to pursuing all lawful and legitimate means to reinstigate constitutional normalcy in Mali.