Mali in Turmoil: Junta Suspends Political Parties Amid Mounting Opposition

Posted On 9 May 2025

Number of times this article was read : 2177

Mali’s ruling junta has officially suspended all political party activities, marking the most sweeping crackdown yet on democratic institutions since the 2020 coup. The decision, announced on May 7 by General Assimi Goïta, cites public order concerns and follows weeks of pro-democracy protests and proposals to dissolve political parties altogether. The move cements Mali’s shift toward military authoritarianism, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and international observers.

________
This analysis is free but it requires registration Already a subscriber?
Please log in here

Not a free subscriber? Register for free



The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Mali’s Airports Are Battling a Flow of Cocaine

Mali’s airports, from the bustling hub in Bamako to smaller regional ones, have become a key front in the battle against the flood of cocaine pouring into West Africa. While international help and modern tools like AI and trained dogs have led to some big busts, things aren’t easy.

Algeria Officially Joins ASEAN

Algeria just made a big splash on the global stage, officially joining ASEAN as a partner (What is Asean: An Explainer). The North African nation is essentially hitting the reset button on its foreign policy, shifting its gaze from its usual European and Mediterranean...

Sahel: Russia Replaces Wagner in Mali Under Pressure from Algeria, Touaregs Brace

Sahel: Russia Replaces Wagner in Mali Under Pressure from Algeria, Touaregs Brace

With Wagner stepping aside, the Africa Corps is moving in, bringing structure and legitimacy to Moscow’s support for Bamako. Touareg leaders, fearing a more efficient and state-backed force, have begun testing quiet understandings with jihadist factions like GSIM. It’s not a formal alliance, but a sign of growing desperation in a region where alliances shift quickly and survival often overrides ideology.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This