The United Nations said Wednesday that it is “deeply concerned” by the dissolution of civil society organisations in military-led Mali and by “increasing restrictions” on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
At least four organisations have been dissolved since December 2023, including groups relating to good governance, elections and opposition, a UN spokesperson said in a statement.
“We call on the transitional authorities to allow the disbanded organisations to resume their activities,” Seif Magango said.
“It is vital for State authorities to protect civic space.. . and the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the rights to freedom of association and assembly,” Magango added.
The ruling junta in Mali announced the dissolution of the CMAS group, supporting an influential religious and opposition figure, earlier this month.
Imam Mahmoud Dicko initially supported the leaders of a 2020 coup, before distancing himself and becoming one of the regime’s most critical voices.
Since 2012 Mali has been ravaged by different groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as by self-declared self-defence forces and bandits.
The country has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, with the security situation compounded by a profound humanitarian and political crisis.