Mali’s National Transitional Council (NTC) has taken a decisive step toward restructuring the country’s political system, adopting a bill that repeals the political parties charter and the status of the opposition.
The move, passed during the NTC’s second plenary session in April, signals a major shift in the country’s governance, potentially redefining the role of political organisations in Mali’s transitional phase.
Chaired by General Malick Diaw, the session approved the repeal of Law No. 05-047 of 18 August 2005, on the charter of political parties and Law No. 2015-007 of 4 March 2015, on the status of the political opposition, with 130 votes in favour, two against and no abstentions.
The transitional authorities justify this decision by the need to streamline a political landscape deemed too fragmented, but it raises concerns about democratic pluralism and the elimination of checks and balances.
This measure already sparked protests on 3 May 2025, with opponents denouncing an increased concentration of power in the hands of the junta to the detriment of political freedoms.
In addition to this repeal, the NTC adopted eight other bills, including the status of stateless persons, with 129 votes in favour and one abstention, aimed at protecting the rights of people without nationality in accordance with Mali’s international commitments.
The revision of Law No. 2016-066 of 30 December 2016 on medically assisted procreation was also unanimously approved, with the aim of facilitating access to assisted reproductive technologies, taking into account recent medical advances.
The NTC also amended the Civil Aviation Code, with 123 votes in favour, to strengthen aviation safety and align Malian legislation with international standards.
Finally, several ordinances were ratified to restructure public finances, notably creating the Central Deposit Agency, the Central Treasury Accounting Agency, the General Treasury Pay Office, the Specialised Treasury Pay Offices, and the General Finance Office, with the aim of improving the transparency and efficiency of public resource management.
MD/ac/fss/jn/APA