Mali: UN experts condemn political party suppression

Experts within the UN have voiced concerns at the deteriorating rights situation in Mali in reaction to the latest moves to restrict political freedoms, reports Algerian outlet AL24 News on May 8th. 

Mali’s ruling junta has recently decreed an indefinite suspension of the activities of political parties “for reasons of public order,” following a national conference at the end of April where delegates voted to adopt a bill to dissolve the 2005 Political Parties Charter, removing basic political participation rights.

A number of UN officials are amongst the latest to condemn these moves, calling for an immediate repeal of the decree in a statement warning of the potential consequences for human rights if the bill is adopted. 

The experts, mandated under the UN Human Rights Council but speaking independently, warned that it would “place Mali in contravention of its human rights obligations, notably on freedoms of association and expression”.

By making the registration of parties and candidates conditional on the payment of heavy financial deposits, they highlighted how the bill would limit political participation to those with significant financial resources. 

The ruling Junta has argued that this policy is the result of a national dialogue and seeks merely to “stop the proliferation of political parties.”  

However, the UN group, which includes experts on the rights situation in Mali along with the special rapporteurs on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, have dismissed such arguments highlighting that free consultation would be impossible in the “current climate of suppression”. 

This statement comes amidst calls by activists for further protests to demand an end to the erosion of Malian democracy. 

An initial round of pro-democracy protests took place in Bamako on May 3rd and 4th, which saw hundreds taking to the streets in condemnation of attempts to limit political expression, as well as against moves to extend the rule of the current ruling junta leader. 

This was another outcome of the conference which pushed for the extension of President Goita’s rule until 2030. 

In advance of the next round of protests, the expert group called on the Malian authorities to refrain from repressive acts, emphasising the importance of the right to peacefully assemble for “the health of a vibrant political community”. 

AL24/ Maghrebi