Political parties and associations in Mali are celebrating a major victory after a court suspended the transitional authorities’ decision to dissolve all political parties and organizations.

On Monday, the High Court of Commune 1 in Bamako temporarily restored the legal framework for political parties, citing an objection of unconstitutionality raised by the applicants.

However, the case has been referred to the Constitutional Court, the only body empowered to rule on the constitutionality of laws under the new Constitution adopted in July 2023.

Lawyers for the dissolved parties welcomed the decision, calling it a significant step toward safeguarding political freedoms in Mali.