Over 100 political parties in Mali have rejected the government’s plan to relaunch consultations on the review of the Charter of Political Parties.
The parties, meeting on April 15 in Bamako, issued a joint statement describing the initiative as inappropriate and contrary to the resolutions of the National Refoundation Conference (ANR).
The government intends to start the new consultations on April 16, but the opposition argues that political parties had already been consulted in December 2024.
At that time, they submitted a consensus document that aligned with ANR guidelines, which included reducing the number of parties, ending political defection, and recognizing opposition leaders. These resolutions were officially adopted into Mali’s national strategic framework.
The political groups question the need for renewed consultations, particularly those involving “vital forces” and the diaspora, given the legitimacy of the previous process. They express concerns that this may signal an attempt to marginalize political parties, similar to trends in Burkina Faso and Niger under military rule.
While reaffirming their commitment to Mali’s multiparty system as enshrined in the 2023 Constitution, the parties are calling for a suspension of the planned consultations and a genuine dialogue with political stakeholders to safeguard democratic values and national unity during Mali’s transition.
