Overview

• Mali's military government has issued a decree suspending all political party and association activities indefinitely, citing public order concerns.
• The decision, signed by transitional president Gen. Assimi Goita, comes days after the first major pro-democracy rally in Bamako since the 2020 and 2021 coups.
• Hundreds of activists defied threats to protest a proposed bill to dissolve political parties, with police cordoning off the area to prevent clashes with pro-junta groups.
• A recent national conference, widely boycotted, recommended Goita's installation as president for a renewable five-year term without elections.
• Under Goita's leadership, Mali has shifted away from Western allies, deepening ties with Russia while facing criticism for delaying democratic transitions.