The protest follows the recent suspension of political activities by the country's military junta, which has been in control since the 2020 and 2021 coups.

The junta announced on state television yesterday that all political party activities and political organisations would be suspended, citing the need to maintain public order. The decision has raised concerns, coming shortly after the junta's national conference recommended Assimi Goita, the leader of the military government, be appointed president for a five-year term. The conference also proposed the dissolution of political parties and stricter regulations for the formation of new ones.

In response, a coalition of political parties held a protest on May 3, asserting that Malians were not properly represented in the conference. With the suspension still in effect, the parties plan to continue their demonstrations tomorrow, calling for a return to civilian rule and the holding of free and fair elections.

The growing frustration comes after the junta failed to meet its initial commitment to hold elections by February 2022. Since then, the timeline for elections has been delayed several times, deepening the political crisis in the country.

--ChannelAfrica--