The Mali military government has increasingly suppressed dissent since the army seized power.
A presidential decree announced on state television on Tuesday: “All meetings of political party members and political character organizations are spread throughout the country’s territory.”
It was signed by military leader Aspimi Goïta, who seized power after the 2020 and 2021 coup, and will remain in power for at least five years despite promises of elections.
The move is expected to spark new resistance from parties demanding that the country restore democratic rule.
Since last year, military authorities have intensified the crackdown on political activities.
Last week, two opposition leaders were kidnapped by armed personnel saying they were police officers after a rare pro-democracy protest. Authorities have not commented on the reported arrest.
A national meeting organized by the regime – but boycotted by the leading opposition party – last month suggested that General Gota be named president until 2030.
The move has sparked condemnation from opposition figures and human rights groups. The junta initially promised to hold elections in February 2022.
The Presidential Order warned Malians not to ignore the dissolution of the political party, but did not outline any penalties.
It said anyone working in a political or administrative role can “continue their duties without party affiliation”.
The order follows the suspension of all political activities – another recommendation from the national conference – which caused a commotion among the opposition.
A coalition of one hundred political parties plans to protest the transitional agency last week but postpone it after political activity is suspended.
Opposition leaders condemned the dissolution of the party.
“No matter how hard they try to keep you out of sight, your value does not depend on their approval,” Nouhoum Dogo, president of the Alliance (USR) Party, posted on social media.
Moussa Mara, former prime minister and leader of the Yerema Party, described the government's restrictions as “a serious blow to the reconciliation efforts that began last year.”
Analyst Ulf Laessing said the country's military leaders were trying to “break with the old elites who have been responsible since independence and are seen very close to France, which has been held very close to former colonial power.”
Since taking office, government leaders have formed alliances with coup leaders in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, turning the region towards Russia after ties with former colonial France have been significantly reduced.
General Gota also withdrew from the demand for restoration of democratic rule from Mali in the excess. Burkina Faso and Niger also left the grouping.
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