Key Points
- Mali’s ruling junta lifted the suspension on political parties and associations, initially imposed in April.
- The suspension was justified by Colonel Assimi Goita as necessary due to “sterile discussions” and “subversion” threatening national dialogue.
- Political groups had protested the extension of the junta’s rule beyond the March 2024 deadline for returning to civilian governance.
- The national dialogue proceeded with regime supporters, recommending a military extension of up to five years and allowing Goita to contest future elections.
- A severe aviation fuel shortage has caused flight cancellations and travel disruptions at Bamako’s Modibo-Keita International Airport.
- The shortage, expected to last until July 15, affected several airlines, including Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines.
- No official explanation has been provided by the Malian Civil Aviation Agency regarding the cause of the shortage.
Mali’s ruling junta has reinstated political activities that had been suspended since April, while the nation simultaneously grapples with a crippling aviation fuel shortage.
Political Activities Reauthorised
On Wednesday, the military-led council of ministers announced the lifting of restrictions on political parties and associations. The junta, which came to power in a 2020 coup, had halted these activities, citing concerns over “sterile discussions” and potential “subversion” that they claimed threatened the national dialogue on Mali’s political future.
Colonel Assimi Goita, head of the military government, justified the initial suspension as necessary to maintain stability. The suspension had sparked protests from political groups opposed to the junta’s decision to extend their rule beyond the March 2024 deadline for a return to civilian governance.
Despite a boycott from major parties and opposition groups, the dialogue proceeded with regime supporters, who in May recommended the military remain in power for up to five more years and allowed Goita to contest future presidential elections.
Aviation Fuel Crisis
Meanwhile, Mali is facing a severe aviation fuel crisis that has grounded flights and disrupted travel plans.
The civil aviation agency announced the unavailability of Jet A1 fuel, essential for aircraft, at Bamako’s Modibo-Keita International Airport until July 15. This shortage has forced airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines to cancel or reschedule flights, impacting routes to and from the capital.
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The underlying reasons for the fuel shortage remain unclear, with no official explanation from the Malian Civil Aviation Agency. However, the crisis is symptomatic of the broader political, security, and economic challenges Mali has endured since 2012, further exacerbated by the recent coups.
Domestic and International Impact
Domestic carrier Sky Mali has also been affected, cancelling flights between Bamako and the cities of Kayes and Timbuktu. The widespread disruption underscores the critical supply issues facing the country and the cascading effects on its already strained infrastructure.
Future Uncertainty
The junta’s decision to lift the suspension on political activities is seen as an attempt to placate growing unrest and opposition. However, whether this move will lead to meaningful political reconciliation or simply prolong the military’s grip on power remains uncertain as Mali navigates these dual crises.