The council of ministers announced late on Wednesday that the military junta in Mali has ended the suspension of political party activities, originally implemented in April to maintain public order. This decision comes shortly before the commencement of a national peace dialogue in the Sahelian nation, which has been contending with a jihadist insurgency for more than ten years and has been governed by the military 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 said. Now, with attention turning towards implementing recommendations from the peace dialogue held between April 13 and May 10, the government has opted to permit political parties to resume their operations.
Following their second coup in 2021, the junta initially pledged to conduct elections in February but subsequently retracted their commitment, citing technical issues and indefinitely postponing the vote. This decision provoked discontent among political parties and civil society organisations, who advocated for a restoration of constitutional governance.
Since August 2020, Mali has not been alone in grappling with political instability and insurgency. Across West and Central Africa, there have been eight coups, including in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. These countries are also combating jihadist groups associated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The persistent turmoil in the region underscores the intricate difficulties these nations encounter as they strive for peace and stability.
