Mali’s military government has dissolved all political parties after accusations from rights groups that opposition figures have been arrested. Assimi Goita, who seized power in two army coups in 2020 and 2021, validated the decision after it was broadcast to Malians in a televised statement on Tuesday. The parties were disbanded after demonstrations this month, demanding the country returned to democratic rule. Protesters gathered on May 3 and 4, carrying placards with slogans reading, “Down with dictatorship, long live democracy,” in a rare public rebuke of the military government, which had promised to hold elections in 2022. A national conference held in April recommended extending Goita’s presidency until 2030, drawing condemnation from opposition figures and human rights groups. In response to another protest that had been planned on Friday, the military government issued a decree suspending all political activities across the country. The move forced opposition groups to cancel the demonstration, and the government has now tightened its grip further.

Full report : Mali’s military government dissolves all political parties after opposition figures ‘arrested’.