Mali's military leadership ban political activities

JOHANNESBURG

Mali's ruling military junta banned all political activities in the West African country until further notice late on Wednesday.

Col. Abdoulaye Maiga, the spokesman of the government, announced the decree on state television prohibiting all political activities saying the directive is aimed at maintaining public order.

Earlier this month, more than 80 political parties and civic groups issued separate statements calling on the junta to hold presidential elections as soon as possible, ending transitional military rule.

“Currently, the country is going through enormous difficulties, and the transition is not intended to resolve all of the country's problems. It is time to end this impasse, especially since the last postponement of the transition expired on March 26,” said the Network of Human Rights Defenders in Mali, which brings together dozens of local organizations.

The West African nation has been under military rule for the past four years, having witnessed several coups.

Transitional government head Col. Assimi Goita had vowed in June 2022 that the military would restore civilian rule at the end, on March 26, 2024.

Authorities had planned to hold a presidential election in February, but it was later postponed.