Mali urged to uphold political freedoms amid new restrictions

A coalition of UN human rights experts has strongly condemned a recent decree suspending political party activities in the Mali and a proposed law abolishing foundational protections for political participation. The measures, they warn, directly contravene international human rights obligations, particularly regarding freedom of association and expression.

urgent call to reverse anti-democratic measures

In a joint statement, the experts emphasized that the suspension decree must be immediately repealed. They cautioned that if the draft law—introduced on April 30—passes, it would place Mali in breach of its human rights commitments. “The proposal to impose exorbitant financial deposits as a prerequisite for party registration and candidacy effectively restricts political participation to economically privileged groups,” they stated.

flawed consultation process

While the government claims the changes stem from national dialogues—including the 2021 Assises Nationales de la Refondation and April 2025 consultations on the Charter of Political Parties—the experts dismissed these claims as disingenuous. They noted that the current civic space in Mali suppresses dissent, with opposition figures and independent journalists facing severe risks for exercising free speech. Several political parties boycotted the April 2025 consultations, fearing the process was designed to dismantle their organizations.

The government’s recent endorsement of a controversial recommendation—to extend the current transitional leader’s term by five years without elections starting in 2025—further signals a disregard for democratic norms, according to the experts. They argue this move violates both national and international commitments.

appeal to the transitional council

The draft law is now under review by the Mali Transitional National Council, led by General Malick Diaw. The experts urged the council to reject the legislation, offering assistance in revising it to align with global human rights standards.

In response to the measures, opposition parties have organized public demonstrations, including events on May 3 and 4. However, they report violent disruptions by pro-government groups. Additional protests are planned for May 9. The experts stressed that “peaceful assembly is vital to a thriving democracy” and condemned any intimidation or repression targeting demonstrators.

international pressure grows

The statement was co-signed by prominent UN rights experts, including Eduardo Gonzalez (Independent Expert on Human Rights in Mali), Irene Khan (Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression), and Gina Romero (Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association). These experts operate independently of the UN, without remuneration, and report on thematic or country-specific human rights issues worldwide.