\n
Volker T\u00fcrk on Friday called the decree \u201cdraconian\u201d and urged Mali\u2019s Transitional President, General Assimi Go\u00efta, to reverse the decree issued earlier this week.<\/p>\n
Signed on 13 May, the decree dissolves all political parties and \u201corganizations of a political nature\u201d nationwide. It was preceded by the repeal of legislation that had safeguarded political participation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny restrictions of political participation must be consistent with Mali\u2019s international human rights law obligations<\/strong>,\u201d High Commissioner for Human Rights T\u00fcrk said.<\/p>\nHe urged the transitional authorities to release those who have been arrested on politically motivated grounds and to fully restore political rights in the country.<\/p>\n
Erosion of civic space<\/h2>\n
The clampdown comes amid a broader erosion of civic space in Mali since the military seized power in successive coups in 2020 and 2021.<\/p>\n
According to media reports, the government\u2019s move was read out on state television on Tuesday and cited the need to curb the \u201cproliferation\u201d of political parties.<\/p>\n
At least three opposition members were reportedly arrested following protests against the decree, with their whereabouts currently unknown \u2013 part of what Mr. T\u00fcrk described as a troubling pattern of enforced disappearances dating back to at least 2021.<\/p>\n
A group of UN independent rights experts also condemned the developments in a separate statement last week, warning that the decree and accompanying legislation represent \u201ca direct violation of basic human rights.\u201d<\/p>\n
Elections in question<\/h2>\n
The experts \u2013 who are independent of the UN and serve in their personal capacity \u2013 criticised the transitional authorities for using the 2021 national consultations, the Assises Nationales de la Refondation and April 2025 consultation on review of the Charter of Political Parties, as justification for authoritarian measures.<\/p>\n
Several political parties boycotted those consultations, citing fears they were being used as a pretext to dismantle political opposition.<\/p>\n
Among the recommendations emerging from those meetings, the Council of Ministers reportedly discussed naming Gen. Go\u00efta as president for a renewable five-year term \u2013 without holding elections.<\/p>\n
The UN has urged the transitional authorities to refrain from extending the transition period again and to publish an electoral timetable without delay.<\/p>\n
High Commissioner T\u00fcrk recalled Gen. Go\u00efta\u2019s instructions to the Cabinet of Ministers in November 2024 to create conditions for \u201ctransparent and peaceful elections,\u201d a promise that now appears increasingly hollow.<\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n
A MINUSMA patrol in the town of M\u00e9naka, eastern Mali. The mission closed at the end of 2023. (file photo)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Spiralling security situation<\/h2>\n
Beyond political repression, Mali is grappling with worsening security conditions following the closure of the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA, at the end of 2023.<\/p>\n
According to credible information received by the UN rights office, OHCHR, violations and abuses increased by nearly 120 per cent between 2023 and 2024.<\/p>\n
The withdrawal of French forces and the European Union Training Mission in Mali in 2022 also contributed to the deteriorating security situation across the West African landlocked country.<\/p>\n
Civilians across the country continue to face deadly attacks \u2013 including killings, abduction, and sexual and gender-based violence \u2013 by extremist groups including Jama\u2019at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin<\/em> (JNIM) and the Islamic State – Sahel Province.<\/p>\nGovernment forces, allegedly accompanied by foreign military personnel widely referred to either as \u201cAfrica Corps\u201d or \u201cWagner,\u201d have also been accused of serious abuses. Last month, dozens of civilians were reportedly killed in the southwestern Kayes region after being detained by Malian forces and foreign partners.<\/p>\n
Bring perpetrators to justice<\/h2>\n
Mr. T\u00fcrk underscored the need to ensure accountability for rights violations and abuses.<\/p>\n
The multiple investigations announced by the Malian authorities into these killings must be prompt, impartial and meet international standards, he said, \u201cwith a view to ensuring victims\u2019 rights to truth, justice and reparations.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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