Mali Protests Intensify Amid Political Crackdown

Protests have surged across Mali following the military junta’s controversial decision to dissolve all political parties and suspend political activities, a move announced by President Assimi Goïta on May 13, 2025. This action is part of the junta’s efforts to consolidate power amid ongoing political instability after the 2020 coup that ousted former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

The dissolution of political parties has been widely condemned both domestically and internationally. Opposition leaders, activists, and civil society groups view this as a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and undermine the democratic process. Several prominent opposition figures, including Mamadou Traoré—leader of the anti-junta coalition—have been detained and face trials under charges of inciting unrest.

Human Rights Watch and other organizations have reported arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. Despite heavy security crackdowns, thousands of protesters have continued to take to the streets in Bamako and other cities, demanding a return to civilian rule and the establishment of a clear timetable for elections by December 2025, as initially promised by the junta.

Regional bodies like ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the African Union have expressed concern over Mali’s political trajectory and urged the junta to respect democratic principles and human rights. However, negotiations between the junta and opposition have stalled, raising fears of prolonged instability.