The judicial authorities in Mali rejected a legal appeal by political figures and parties against the decision of the ruling military council to dissolve all political parties and organizations of a political nature, in a move that sparked widespread local and international controversy over the future of political life in the West country Africa.
The transitional authorities, led by Colonel Asimi Ghaouta, issued a presidential decree on May 13 to dissolve political parties, justifying the decision that “rationalizing political life” in a country of more than 300 parties, as she put it.
A number of lawyers and politicians, among them Montaga Tall, the head of one of the parties included in the resolution of the solution, has advanced in appeals before 3 civil courts in the capital, Bamako, considering that the decision constitutes a “flagrant violation of basic freedoms, foremost of which is the freedom of assembly and political participation.”
However, the courts rejected these appeals, which prompted their providers to declare their intention to appeal before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and they suggested that the international judicial bodies can be resorted to.
Observers considered that this step represents a dangerous setback in the democratic path that is supposed to be led by the transitional period, especially after it recommended previous national consultations to extend the Ghoyta rule period for 5 years without organizing elections.
Despite the seriousness of the decision, there have been yet strong positions on the international community, with the exception of some shy calls to respect political freedoms and human rights.
Observers are afraid that international silence will encourage the transitional authorities to further restrict freedoms.
In light of this escalation, the future of political life remains in mysterious Mali, amid fears of consolidating military rule and marginalizing the civil forces, at a time when the country faces worsening security and economic challenges.