Mali’s military leadership suspended political parties’ activities “until further notice”, state television announced on Wednesday, following rare protests last weekend that drew hundreds of demonstrators demanding a return to constitutional order.

In a sweeping move that underscores Mali’s deepening authoritarian turn, the country’s ruling military junta on Wednesday suspended the activities of all political parties and politically affiliated associations, citing concerns over public order. The announcement, delivered via a televised and radio-broadcast decree, has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and opposition figures who view it as an aggressive assault on democratic freedoms.

The decree, signed by interim President and junta leader General Assimi Goïta, bans all “associations of a political character” from operating until further notice. Though no clear timeline was provided, officials claimed the suspension was necessary to maintain public order amidst what they described as a volatile political environment.

The decision comes just days before a major protest rally scheduled for Friday, organized by opposition parties and pro-democracy advocates. The demonstration aims to challenge the junta’s increasingly repressive tactics and to demand a swift return to constitutional rule. The protest is also in response to the recent repeal announced on April 30 of the law governing political parties in Mali. Legal analysts interpret that repeal as a calculated step toward the formal dissolution of political organizations in the country.

Mali, a vast West African nation grappling with ongoing security threats from jihadist groups in its northern and central regions, has been under military rule since a pair of coups in 2020 and 2021. The transitional government initially promised a path back to civilian governance, but critics say those promises have largely gone unfulfilled. Instead, the junta has increasingly resorted to silencing dissent, censoring opposition voices, and shrinking the already fragile civic space.

Observers note that this latest ban on political parties further weakens any prospects for inclusive governance and democratic participation. “Suspending political parties under the guise of maintaining public order is a textbook tactic for consolidating power,” said a Bamako-based constitutional law expert. “This not only undermines Mali’s democratic institutions, but also sends a troubling message to citizens hoping for a return to normalcy.”

The international community has been largely muted in its response, though some human rights organizations have called on the junta to reverse the decision and respect fundamental political freedoms. With tensions rising and political space narrowing, Friday’s planned protest may serve as a crucial barometer of both popular sentiment and the junta’s willingness to tolerate dissent moving forward.

As the nation teeters between military control and the demands for democratic restoration, Mali’s political future remains uncertain and increasingly precarious.