Mali’s Pro-Democracy Protests Intensify
- Dogeon Lim
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
July 1, 2025
Dogeon Lim
In May 2025, hundreds of activists demonstrated against threats from Mali’s military government, it was the first pro-democracy demonstration since the military seized power by force about 4 years ago.
This demonstration was triggered after the military junta dissolved all political parties and banned political activity earlier this month.
The demonstrators in the capital, Bamako protested a new bill proposed by the West African nation Mali transitional government to dissolve political parties. It was the latest act to suppress political activities.
The activists on May 3rd chanted against dictatorship outside the Palais de Culture and policies set up a cordon to avoid clashes with pro-junta youths who had occupied the venue hours before the demonstration to block it.
The demonstrators activists said in a statement “we strongly condemn the acts of limiting, suppressing, or dissolving political parties. This is a direct insult and harm to the constitution and the sovereignty of the Malian people.
The activists, led by civil society groups and youth movements, have made their voices heard in the major cities. They are calling for democratic reform, free elections, and an end to authoritarian rule.
About the demonstration, the government responded with arrests and internet shutdowns, finally, these actions promoted international condemnation.
The United Nations, the African Union, and human rights organizations have urged Mlarian authorities to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.#Mali
