Mali’s military junta has lifted a suspension on political party activities that had been put in place to safeguard public order, the council of ministers announced late on Wednesday. The suspension, initially enforced in April, came just days before the start of a national dialogue for peace in the Sahelian nation, which has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency for over a decade and has been under military rule since August 2020.
“By taking this deterrent measure, the government was able to contain all the threats of public disorder that hung over this major event,” the council stated. With the focus now shifting to the implementation of recommendations from the peace dialogue held between April 13 and May 10, the government has decided to allow political parties to resume their activities.
The junta, which seized power in a second coup in 2021, had previously reneged on a promise to hold elections in February, citing technical reasons and postponing the vote indefinitely. This decision sparked anger among political parties and civil society groups, who called for a return to constitutional order.
The suspension of political party activities was seen as a measure to maintain stability during the peace talks, and its lifting is perceived as a step towards normalising the political landscape. However, the indefinite postponement of elections remains a point of contention, with many demanding a clear roadmap for the country’s return to democracy.
Mali is not alone in its struggle with political instability and insurgency. Since August 2020, West and Central Africa have experienced eight coups, including in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, both of which are fighting similar jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The region’s ongoing turmoil highlights the complex challenges faced by these nations in their pursuit of peace and stability.
Melissa Enoch
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