Mali's Military Junta Clamps Down on Dissent
- Human Rights Research Center
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
May 20, 2025
Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan
HRRC condemns the Malian junta's dissolution of political parties as a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and undermine democracy. This move starkly contradicts the junta's supposed commitment to transitional governance and highlights the urgent need for international pressure to restore democratic order and protect human rights.
Mali's military junta has taken a major step toward consolidating control by dissolving all political parties in the nation. On May 13, Transitional President General Assimi Goïta issued an order banning all political activities and gatherings across the country. The action is viewed as a serious blow to the country's democracy and human rights, with Volker Türk, United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, describing it as "draconian".
The dissolution of political parties comes with a greater crackdown on dissent in Mali after the military took control in two coups in 2020 and 2021. At least three opposition members were allegedly detained during rallies against the order, and their present locations are unknown. The UN Human Rights Office has reported a 120% increase in human rights breaches and abuses in the nation between 2023 and 2024.
The junta's decision has been severely denounced by opposition politicians and human rights organizations. According to Nouhoum Togo, head of the Union for the Safeguarding of the Republic (USR) party, "No matter how hard they try to make you invisible, your value doesn't depend on their recognition". Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara said the junta's limitations were "a severe blow to the reconciliation efforts initiated last year".
The dissolution of political parties is part of the junta's greater campaign to limit civic space and muzzle critical voices. The action has generated concerns about a return to authoritarian leadership and has been condemned by the international community. The United Nations has asked the transitional authorities not to extend the transition period again and to announce an election schedule as soon as possible.
The situation in Mali remains severe, with people suffering violent attacks from Islamist groups and government troops accused of grave violations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has stressed the need for accountability for human rights violations and abuses, urging immediate and impartial investigations into such abuses.
Glossary
1. Blatant: obvious, intentional, and unapologetic, often in a way that's shocking or unacceptable.
2. Breaches: acts of breaking or violating a rule, law, or agreement.
3. Civic Space: An environment that enables civil society to play a role in the political, economic, and social life of our societies.
4. Crackdown: to severely stop or prevent an action, usually by an authority.
5. Consolidating: to join together into one whole, unite, or build something.
6. Contradicts: To oppose, refute, or deny something.
7. Denounced: publicly declared something or someone to be wrong or evil.
8. Dissolution: the act of officially ending or disbanding an organization, partnership, or institution.
9. Draconian: extremely harsh or severe, often in a way that's considered unfair or excessive.
6. Dissent: disagreement or opposition to an idea, policy, or authority.
7. Impartial: unbiased, fair, and neutral, without taking sides or showing prejudice.
8. Junta: a group of military officers who have taken control of a government, often after a coup.
10. Muzzle: to prevent someone from speaking.
11. Reconciliation: the act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement.
12. Starkly: in a way that's clear, obvious, and often unpleasant or shocking.
13. Transitional government: a temporary government established to manage a country's transition from one system or regime to another.
14. Undermine: to weaken or damage something, often secretly or gradually.
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