Mali junta reauthorizes political activities

The Malian government has lifted its suspension of political parties, allowing them to resume their activities. The suspension was announced in April, just before the start of a national dialogue for peace in the country, which has been battling a jihadist insurgency for over a decade. According to a council of ministers statement, the decision to lift the suspension was made due to the government's desire to allow political parties to participate in the national dialogue. Colonel Assimi Goita, the head of the military government, had previously justified the suspension by citing "sterile discussions" and "subversion" from the political parties. The parties were protesting his decision to stay in power beyond a March 2024 deadline for returning to civilian rule.