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Mali’s military junta has lifted a suspension on political party activities, initially imposed to maintain public order, the council of ministers announced late on Wednesday.
The suspension had been enforced in April, just days before the commencement of a national dialogue aimed at achieving peace in the Sahelian nation. Mali has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency for over a decade and has been under military rule since August 2020.
“By taking this deterrent measure, the government was able to contain all the threats of public disorder that hung over this major event,” the council stated.
With the primary focus now on implementing the recommendations from the peace dialogue held between April 13 and May 10, the government has decided to allow political parties to resume their activities.
Mali’s junta, which seized power in a second coup in 2021, had previously reneged on a promise to hold elections in February, postponing the vote indefinitely due to technical reasons. This decision had sparked anger among political parties and civil society groups, who demanded a return to constitutional order.
The region has witnessed eight coups since August 2020, including those in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, which are also battling jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The lifting of the suspension on political activities is a significant step towards stabilizing Mali’s political landscape amidst ongoing security challenges.