Hundreds of people demonstrated on Saturday, May 3 in Bamako on Saturday, in Bamako at the call of a coalition of political parties which fear their possible dissolution by the junta in power, reported journalists from the Agency France-Presse (AFP). In a declaration published after the demonstration, this collective of a hundred parties has “Required the effective end of the politico-military transition no later than December 31” and called “When setting up a quick return calendar to constitutional order”.
“Long live democracy, at low dictatorship!” »»chanted the protesters, gathered at the Palais de la Culture, near the Niger river, according to AFP journalists and images on social networks. Several demonstrators have brandished signs claiming “Freedom, democracy” And “Elections” While the junta failed to transfer power to civilians in March 2024, after two military coups in 2020 and 2021.
The demonstration was supervised without incident by the security forces. It constitutes one of the most visible acts of protest against the military since taking power in 2021 by Colonel Assimi Goïta – generally passed in October 2024. It was held despite the climate of repression and the risks of reprisals.
The authorities announced, on April 30, the repeal of the law supervising the functioning of political parties, a decision interpreted by lawyers as a stage towards their dissolution. This announcement followed a consultation organized on April 28 and 29 by the regime in Bamako, largely boycotted by the opposition parties, and which recommended the outright suppression of political parties.
Retaliation and legal proceedings
She also suggested proclaiming the head of the junta, General Goïta, President of the Republic for a renewable five -year term, without going through the ballot boxes. It is now up to Mr. Goïta to decide whether or not to apply these recommendations.
“We firmly condemn any attempt at restriction, suspension or dissolution of political parties”says the coalition of parties in his declaration. She says she rejects “Conclusions” of the consultation of April 28 and 30 held “Without real representativeness”.
Since the strokes of 2020 and 2021, the Malian opposition has been weakened by retaliatory measures, legal proceedings, the dissolution of several organizations and a dominant discourse calling for unity around military power, in a country confronted, since 2012, to chronic insecurity linked to jihadism and the Tuareg rebellion in the North.