Mali: the UN raises alarm over suspended elections and crackdown
The United Nations has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating situation in Mali. In a strong statement, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed deep concern about the indefinite postponement of elections and the escalation of repression targeting civil society groups.
“Recent legislative changes risk undermining human rights in Mali for years to come,” Türk warned, urging the transitional authorities to take urgent, concrete action to repeal these problematic laws.
Unlimited mandate sparks controversy
In July, General Assimi Goïta, who has led the military junta since 2021, signed into law a measure granting himself an effectively unlimited presidential mandate. This move, critics argue, effectively closes the door on any democratic elections in the foreseeable future, violating citizens’ fundamental rights to participate in public life, vote, and stand for office in periodic, free elections. “These legal changes must be repealed without delay,” Türk insisted.
Two months earlier, in May, the government dissolved all political parties. The matter now rests with the Constitutional Court, which faces mounting pressure to rule on the constitutionality of this decision.
Civil society under siege
Meanwhile, the crackdown has intensified. Prominent figures from civil society and former political leaders, including anti-corruption activist Clément Dembélé and former Prime Minister Choguel Maïga, have been arrested. “The sharp rise in detentions based on vague accusations of undermining state credibility—simply for expressing dissent—is deeply troubling,” Türk stated, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals. “The law must never be weaponized against free speech,” he added.
