(FILES) Malis interim leader and head of Junta, Colonel Assimi Goïta looks on, in Bamako, Mali, on September 22, 2022 during Mali's Independence Day military parade. Mali's ruling military junta on April 10, 2024 announced the suspension of all party political activities on public order grounds. "Until further notice, for reasons of public order, the activities of political parties and the activities of a political character of associations are suspended across the whole country," under a decree decided by junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita at a cabinet meeting, a government spokesman said. (Photo by OUSMANE MAKAVELI / AFP)
Malian authorities on Wednesday issued a decree banning political party activities amid calls on the ruling army junta to organize elections.
The announcement was made by the government spokesperson on state television on Wednesday evening. Abdoulaye Maiga said the ban on political activities was made in the interest of maintaining public order.
The statement did not specify any threats to public order emanating from political parties.
Mali has been under army rule since August 2020. Last September, the junta indicated it would renege on a promise to organize elections meant to bring back civilian rule this past February citing technical reasons.
No new election promises have been made.
After the March transition deadline passed without a vote, many political parties and civil society organizations reacted by demanding elections.
