The military government of Mali has suspended political activities till further notice following a protest by its citizens on Saturday. Assimi Goita, the transitional president, signed the decree on Wednesday, restricting all political parties activities in the country.
The decree was reportedly released after mali authorities announced the nullification of a law governing the operation of political parties. In reaction, a coalition of parties formed to call for the end of the military and restoration of constitutional order.
Reports say the coalition mobilized several people to protest in Mali’s capital (Bamako) against the move of the military government. Speaking about the decree, Cheick Doumbia, one of the leaders of the protest, disclosed that he was not surprised by the announcement.
Doumbia stated that the decree is the military’s way of preventing the citizens from carrying out their activities. However, he emphasized that the people will continue to defend democracy in the country as they are committed to representative government.
According to report, the military government also suspend political party activities for three months in 2024. Goita, who seized power after a coup in 2020 and 2021, was installed as president for a renewable five-year term last week.
The 41-year-old was recommended by political allies in the national conference to become president till 2030. Speaking on the proposition, Ousmane Diallo, an activist, disclosed that the move will condemn the freedom of expression and association.
The conference also recommend suspending any election activities till peace is restored to the country. Goita, since taking power in 2021 has allied with coup leaders in neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, among others.
The junta leader has also withdrawn the country from ECOWAS over its demand to restore democratic rule.
