Mali bans all political parties as military tightens grip: Summary

FILE PHOTO: Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of two military coups and new interim president, speaks during his inauguration ceremony in Bamako, Mali June 7, 2021. REUTERS/Amadou Keita/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

What we know

Mali’s military government has dissolved all political parties, tightening its grip on power after banning political activities last month.
A presidential decree announced on state TV said no political meetings would be allowed nationwide, but gave no details on penalties.
Military leader Assimi Goïta, who took power in two coups, is expected to remain in office until 2030, despite earlier promises to hold elections.
Opposition figures say the move threatens reconciliation efforts and silences democratic voices, with some leaders recently abducted by men claiming to be police.
The junta has distanced itself from former colonial power France and strengthened ties with Russia, alongside military-led governments in Burkina Faso and Niger.

What they said

Opposition leaders have since condemned the move. "No matter how hard they try to make you invisible, your value doesn't depend on their recognition," Nouhoum Togo, president of the Union for the Safeguarding of the Republic (USR) party, posted on social media.

Wonder Hagan