ACTIVITIES OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND THOSE OF A POLITICAL NATURE OF ASSOCIATIONS: SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Furthermore, Minister Maïga declared that this suspension does not mean that the elections will not be organized. Nor does it mean that political groups and associations are not important, he concluded.

Regarding the security argument, the Minister responsible for Territorial Administration noted that the capture of Kidal does not mean the end of terrorism. Terrorism is still a threat in our country, he recalled. This is evidenced, according to him, by the attacks in different places. “We must remain vigilant,” he stressed.

The government spokesperson clarified that two fundamental reasons underlie this government measure. These are political and security reasons. The political argument is to maintain a climate of serenity for the holding of the Inter-Malian Dialogue for Peace and Reconciliation. At this level, said Dr. Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga, there is no longer any question of cacophony as this dialogue takes place across the country. This dialogue, long awaited by Malians, according to him, will be an opportunity to stitch together the social fabric and strengthen national cohesion.

According to him, this suspension aims to preserve the general interest. “It is an impersonal measure which does not target any political party,” argued Dr. Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga. Clearly, he commented, this suspension does not attack political groups and associations, but rather focuses on their activities.

The government has suspended until further notice the activities of political parties and those of a political nature of associations throughout the national territory “for reasons of public order”. The decision taken following a decree taken in the Council of Ministers was announced yesterday by the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization. Dr Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga spoke during a press briefing in the premises of his department.

Two essential reasons underlie this measure: political and security. The main objective being to preserve public order and ensure the smooth running of the Inter-Malian Dialogue for Peace and Reconciliation which begins this Saturday, April 13