Mali junta suspends political activities, bans media coverage

Mali's military junta issued a decree suspending all political activities indefinitely on Wednesday, and the following day called for a ban on media coverage of political parties. The suspension marks the latest crackdown on dissent in the West African nation, which has seen opposition voices largely stifled since the colonels seized power. The high authority for communication requested that all media outlets (radio, television, written press, and online) halt broadcasts and publications related to political parties. Government spokesman attributed the suspension to "sterile discussions." Mali has experienced two coups since 2020, leading to a wave of political instability.