Resolution on the dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali

The European Parliament adopted by 511 votes to 14, with 25 abstentions, a resolution on the dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew and Greens/EFA groups.

Parliament expressed its deep concern about the alarming political and security situation in Mali, marked by the dissolution of political parties and organisations, the repression of the opposition, and the actions of the Malian authorities undermining democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and association, and the right to peaceful assembly. It called on the Malian authorities (i) to respect international human rights law, (ii) to create the necessary conditions for transparent and peaceful elections to be held as soon as possible, (iii) to immediately release those arrested or abducted for political reasons, (iv) to guarantee the safety of members of the opposition, and (v) to ensure peace and stability in Mali.

Deploring the fact that Mali remains burdened by violence and Islamist terrorism, and recalling that Russian-funded mercenaries have failed to bring stability, Parliament called for accountability for those responsible for rights violations, including war crimes committed by the Wagner Group/Africa Corps against the Malian people. It called for closer cooperation between the European Union, the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, ECOWAS, and the African Union to promote stability and human rights in Mali.

Concerned by the growing illegal migration flows from Mali to Europe, Parliament called on the Malian authorities to take full responsibility for preventing uncontrolled departures and urges the EU to strengthen return policies and cooperation on migration control with Mali and transit countries.

Lastly, Parliament stressed that the Union is determined to ensure that human rights are the main priority of its support under the renewed approach to the Sahel region.