Political parties in Mali are mobilizing to resist a government decision to dissolve them, calling it a serious blow to democracy. The move followed recommendations from the recent national consultation of vital forces.

The dissolution was approved during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, prompting immediate backlash. In response, over a hundred parties met Thursday at the Bamako International Conference Centre to chart a course of action.

They plan to hold a protest meeting on Saturday, May 3, in Bamako, signaling the start of wider resistance.

Leading voices in the movement include Yeah Samaké of the Civic and Patriotic Action Party and Amadou Koita of the Yelen Kura Socialist Party.