Mali urged to uphold political party rights amid un concerns

United Nations human rights experts are sounding the alarm over recent legislative moves in Mali that may undermine core democratic principles. A newly proposed bill to repeal fundamental protections for political participation, combined with an executive decree halting all party activities indefinitely, has been condemned as a direct violation of international human rights standards.

The group of independent UN experts issued a joint statement highlighting that these actions could severely restrict civic freedoms and democratic governance in the country. « This decree must be revoked immediately, » they emphasized. « If adopted, the April 30 legislative proposal would place Mali in breach of its obligations under international law, particularly regarding freedom of association and expression. »

criticism of government’s approach to party regulation

The government has defended its actions, claiming the elimination of existing laws does not abolish political parties but aims to curb what it describes as « excessive proliferation » of such entities. However, the UN experts argue that this goal could be achieved more effectively through legitimate electoral reforms, such as requiring parties to demonstrate prior electoral success for registration.

Instead, the proposed legislation would impose exorbitant financial deposits as a prerequisite for party registration and candidate participation, effectively limiting political engagement to economically privileged groups. « This measure disproportionately restricts access to political participation, » the experts noted.

flaws in the consultation process

The government asserts that its proposals stem from national dialogues, including the 2021 National Refoundation Summit and April 2025 consultations on revising the Political Parties Charter. Yet, the UN experts pointed out that genuine consultation is impossible in a climate where civic space is shrinking. Opposition figures and independent journalists face credible fears of retaliation for exercising free speech, further undermining the legitimacy of the process.

Several political parties boycotted the April 2025 consultations, rightly suspecting that the transitional authorities might use the exercise to dissolve parties or restrict their operations. The Council of Ministers also endorsed additional recommendations, including the extension of transitional leader Assimi Goita’s presidency until 2030 without elections—a move that, according to the experts, contradicts both national and international commitments.

urgent call to protect political freedoms

The controversial bill is now slated for review by the National Transitional Council, led by General Malick Diaw. The UN experts urged the council to reject the proposal outright. « We stand ready to support the government in revising the draft law to ensure alignment with international human rights norms, » they stated.

In response to the legislation, political parties have planned public demonstrations for May 3 and 4. However, they reported violent disruptions by individuals allegedly aligned with the transitional authorities. Additional protests are scheduled for May 9. The UN experts stressed the importance of peaceful assembly, stating, « Authorities must respect this fundamental right and refrain from intimidation or repression that endangers the safety and rights of demonstrators. »