CIVICUS discusses the growing repression of civil and political liberties and the consolidation of power by Mali’s military junta with a civil society activist who asked to stay anonymous for security reasons.
How have human rights and civic freedoms worsened under the military junta?
Since the August 2020 coup and the arrival of the military in power, human rights and civic freedoms have worsened significantly. The military authorities have banned peaceful marches, which people often use to claim their rights and express their political views. This ban undermines the rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, which are essential in a democratic society.
The military authorities have also dissolved numerous associations and political parties, undermining freedom of association and limiting the diversity of political voices. A notable example is the dissolution of the Coordination of Movements, Associations and Sympathisers of Imam Mahmoud Dicko, a highly influential political leader accused of conspiring to destabilise the regime. Concerns about the suppression of critical and opposition voices were heightened when the regime recently suspended the activities of all political associations, depriving people of their fundamental right to participate in political life and make their voices heard.
Overall, these repressive actions reflect an authoritarian trajectory that is rolling back previous democratic gains and compromising political and social stability.
What obstacles does civil society face in fulfilling its roles?
All the obstacles civil society faces have increased under the military regime.
First of all, there is an anti-civil society narrative that specifically targets civil society organisations (CSOs) that denounce the excesses of military power. Defamation makes it difficult for civil society to carry out its advocacy and monitoring activities effectively and safely.
Secondly, following the suspension of funding from France, the military authorities tightened the laws governing CSOs, imposing complex administrative procedures and bureaucratic constraints. This has hampered the ability of CSOs to get the financial resources they need to do their work.
Despite the obstacles and limited resources, CSOs continue to do their job. They organise themselves as best as they can to speak out, raise awareness of the importance of an active and engaged civil society and strengthen civil society voices. They are a true example of resilience and determination.
How is civil society defending civic space and human rights?
In an increasingly difficult context where the noose is tightening daily on civil society, advocacy for civic space and human rights faces many challenges. The authorities often use the justice system to suppress the work of civil society.
With increasing repression, many civil society voices have been silenced, either by threats or coercion. Repression has also created a climate of mistrust that makes it difficult to organise and mobilise. Many prominent civil society figures have been forced to leave Mali to seek a safe haven where they can keep advocating for the return of democracy.
Despite these obstacles, some collaborative efforts persist. The organisations and activists that remain in Mali are looking for ways to build their resilience and capacity to act together, including through mutual support networks, informal coalitions and partnerships with like-minded international organisations.
Overall, civil society is facing unprecedented challenges, but it continues to struggle to defend democratic values and fundamental rights, even in a hostile and repressive environment.
What needs to be done to restore democracy in Mali?
To restore democracy, it is essential to return to constitutional order by holding free elections. This is the main demand of Malian civil society.
Free elections entail the implementation of a fair, inclusive and transparent electoral process, including guarantees of respect for the fundamental freedoms of association, expression and peaceful assembly.
Restoring democracy also requires institutional and political reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law, promoting accountability and combating corruption.
Civil society is further calling for an immediate end to repression and attacks on fundamental freedoms and human rights. The authorities must listen and engage in an inclusive dialogue to find solutions to the political and social challenges Mali faces.
What support does Malian civil society need from the international community?
Malian civil society feels abandoned by major international organisations, although it recognises the efforts they have made in the past. At present, civil society sees a lack of action to exert effective pressure on the Malian government.
Sub-regional organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should play a crucial role in resolving the political crisis in Mali. However, the Malian authorities recently decided to withdraw from ECOWAS to avoid sanctions, which has weakened the effectiveness of the pressure the body can exert. Malian civil society calls on ECOWAS to maintain pressure on the military junta and not abandon Malian people at this critical time. Malian civil society also calls on the United Nations to exert pressure on the junta to respect its commitments to democracy and human rights.
In addition, Malian CSOs need tangible support, including financial support to strengthen their organisational and operational capacities and diplomatic support to make their demands heard at the international level.
Malian civil society recognises the importance of support from the international community and calls for stronger action from regional and international organisations to support the democratic aspirations of Malian people.
Civic space in Mali is rated ‘repressed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor.
