Mali’s junta imposes political restrictions

Mali’s junta banned political party activities after being called to organise a national election, leaving the US concerned, according to the Associated Press.

Following the announcement on the 10th April, another restriction was revealed a day later, specifying that the media were banned from reporting on the activities of political parties, The Independent reported.

The first ban was declared by a government spokesperson via state television and was allegedly put in place to maintain public order, Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga said.

However, the announcement did not specify that there were any disruptions to the public order from political parties.

The US revealed that it was “deeply concerned” with the censorship and limitations placed on political parties. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller stated that the freedom of association and expression are “critical to an open society.”

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The absence of a national election in March resulted in a demand for a vote from political parties and many civil society organisations within Mali.

The second ban specified that all forms of media, from radio and television to off and online newspapers, must not report on political party activities.

Journalists were left uncertain as to whether they were permitted to still report on issues that are closely associated with political activities such as the economy, and how the laws would be monitored and applied in practice.

Analysts think that the restrictions were introduced as a result of students, political figures, and civil society expressing frustration with the military led government as they promised to return the country to democratic rule.

A joint statement between some of Mali’s main political parties called on the junta for immediate action to set up an industrial framework for polls, on 31st March. The statement had over 20 signatures, including the support of the ex-president’s party and a major Malian coalition.

Since 2020, Mali has experienced two coups – which resulted in employment restrictions from West Africa’s economic bloc, known as ECOWAS. However, these restrictions were recently lifted after Mali declared its desire to leave ECOWAS, alongside coup led Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea.

AP/The Independent