Mali’s courts are set to issue a crucial ruling on October 1st regarding the government’s decree to dissolve all political parties.
The final decision could be appealed to the Constitutional Court, the only authority with the power to determine the legality of the decree and decide the future of political pluralism in Mali.
The dispute revolves around Decree No. 2025-0339/PT-RM, which dissolved all political parties and associations and banned their activities nationwide. This decree, along with Law No. 2025-005, which repealed the Charter of Parties and the Status of the Opposition, has fundamentally redefined the country’s political landscape.
On September 24, a hearing was held before the High Court of Commune VI in Bamako. Lawyers for the dissolved parties argued that the decree violates fundamental rights and political pluralism, with some highlighting the legal precedent set by a similar case in August that was sent to the Supreme Court for referral to the Constitutional Court. The State’s legal representative, however, maintained that the decree is legal and remains in force until a competent court invalidates it.
The outcome of the October 1st ruling will be a pivotal moment for Mali. If the case is referred to the Constitutional Court, it will have to decide on the decree’s conformity with constitutional principles. This verdict will be a decisive step for the future of political pluralism and the balance between the transitional powers and the rights guaranteed by law.
MD/ac/fss/abj/APA