Tension as ruling military junta suspends political activities in Mali

BAMAKO – The ruling military junta in Mali has suspended all political activities in the country until further notice.

A spokesman, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, said the suspension was motivated by what he called “sterile discussions” during an attempt at national dialogue earlier this year, reports the BBC.

He said all activities by political parties and “associations of a political nature” had been suspended on the grounds of maintaining public order, in a statement on state television on Wednesday evening.

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More than 80 political parties and civil groups recently called for presidential elections “as soon as possible” and an end to military rule.

Mali had been ruled by the military since 2022, following a coup.

The junta said presidential elections would be held in February but they were postponed, sparking outrage among political parties.

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