Democracy in Mali

Mali’s military ruler, Assimi Goïta, consolidated his grip on power—extending his control by five years and dissolving all political parties in May 2025, following a national conference that proposed these changes amid a stalled transition to civilian rule. The announcement triggered the first pro-democracy protests in years: hundreds rallied in Bamako against authoritarian overreach, demanding elections and constitutional order; the protests were met with suppression, and at least three opposition figures were reportedly abducted .