The Mali junta reported that several leaders from an alliance of political parties and civil society groups were arrested on Thursday evening during a private meeting at a former minister’s residence.
The alliance, in a statement, demanded their immediate release.
Mali, under military rule since a 2020 coup, issued a decree in April restricting political activities to maintain public order.
Boubacar Toure, a representative from one of the parties, informed Reuters on Friday that 11 people, mostly political leaders, were arrested at the private meeting.
In a statement, the political parties and civil society groups accused the authorities of “pursuing a path to dictatorship with the sole aim of staying in power and silencing all democratic and republican voices”.
After jointly criticizing the authorities on March 31 for failing to schedule elections within the promised timeframe, a coalition of political parties and civil society organizations faced a suspension of all activities by the ruling junta.
In response, the political parties have turned to the Malian Supreme Court, although the timing of the court’s consideration of their appeal remains uncertain.
The president of an association, speaking anonymously to Reuters to safeguard his safety, disclosed that the venue for Thursday’s gathering was circulated within a WhatsApp group comprising activists and political party members.
He asserted that the purpose behind the arbitrary arrests is to instill fear among citizens, discouraging activists and association members from speaking out or criticising current actions.
The secretary-general of a political party, speaking anonymously, mentioned that those detained had assembled during the Eid religious festival to exchange greetings and engage in political discussions.
He emphasised, “Given the suspension of political parties and the prohibition of their activities, opportunities for people to convene and discuss critical issues are scarce.
“Therefore, every gathering serves as a crucial chance to address fundamental questions.”
He expressed that while the arrests would undermine trust in the ruling junta, they would not deter Malians from discussing politics.
“People are still calling each other on the phone and expressing their views,” he noted.
“In one way or another, we will find ways to gather again, whether it’s in fields, orchards, or around squares.”
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