A rare new opposition coalition in Bamako has had its operations banned by the ruling junta in Mali, claiming “threats of disturbance to public order,” according to an official decree seen by AFP on Tuesday.
Following two coups in 2020 and 2021, the nation has been governed by the military, and the security situation is made worse by a political and humanitarian crisis.
The “Action Synergy for Mali” coalition was formed in February and consists of thirty opposition parties, including adherents of prominent imam Mahmoud Dicko.
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In a Monday edict, Governor Abdoulaye Coulibaly of the capital announced, “The activities of the ‘Action Synergy for Mali’ group are formally banned throughout the entire district of Bamako due to the security situation and the risk of threats to public order.”
The coalition declared that the ban was “illegitimate and illegal decision that violates the freedom of association and expression guaranteed by the constitution” and rejected it.
The group, which is fiercely opposed to the junta, has offered Malians “a new way” after their nation has been devastated by various Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-affiliated factions since 2012.
As per the coalition, “the people’s expectations were far from being met.”
The coalition had taken “multiple actions,” according to the governor, that “violated current regulations.”
The disintegration of civil society organizations and “increasing restrictions” on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Mali were reported to have the UN “deeply concerned” in mid-March.
A UN spokeswoman stated in a statement that since December 2023, at least four organizations—including those that dealt with elections, good governance, and opposition—have been dissolved.
