UN experts urge Mali to avoid suspending political party activities

United Nations human rights experts are sounding the alarm over a proposed law in Mali that threatens fundamental political freedoms. The draft legislation, combined with a recent decree suspending political party activities, has raised serious concerns about potential violations of international human rights standards.

Proposed law and decree spark global concern

A coalition of UN human rights specialists has strongly criticized both the government’s decree and the draft law, arguing that they directly undermine Mali’s obligations under international law. The experts emphasize that these measures could severely restrict the rights to freedom of association and expression, two cornerstones of democratic governance.

Financial barriers threaten political participation

While Mali’s government claims the reforms aim to reduce the number of political parties, the experts highlight serious flaws in this approach. Rather than establishing legitimate electoral rules, the proposed law would impose heavy financial deposits as a prerequisite for party registration and candidacy. This, they argue, would effectively exclude all but the wealthiest individuals and groups from meaningful political participation.

Consultations criticized as non-inclusive

The UN experts also question the legitimacy of the consultation process that led to these reforms. They point out that genuine dialogue cannot occur in an environment where civic space is being systematically restricted. Opposition figures and independent journalists face real risks of reprisals for speaking out, making it impossible to conduct fair and open discussions about such fundamental changes to the political system.

Many political parties boycotted the April 2025 consultations altogether, correctly anticipating that the process might be used to justify the suspension or dissolution of opposition groups. The experts note that these concerns were well-founded, given that the government has already taken steps to extend the current leadership’s mandate without elections for an additional five-year term.

Call for international compliance

The UN human rights experts have made an urgent appeal to Mali’s transitional authorities. They urge the National Transitional Council, currently led by General Malick Diaw, to reject the proposed law entirely. Instead, they offer technical assistance to help Mali revise the legislation in accordance with international human rights standards.

In response to these developments, opposition parties have announced plans for public demonstrations on May 3 and 4. However, they report that their gatherings have already been disrupted by pro-government groups. Additional protests are planned for May 9, with human rights experts stressing that peaceful assembly rights must be protected at all costs.

This statement was issued by Eduardo Gonzalez (UN Independent Expert on Mali), Irene Khan (UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression), and Gina Romero (UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association).