Malian parties reject junta's suspension of political activities

FILE PHOTO: Supporters of Mali's M5-RFP opposition coalition, gather during a rally to mark a year since the start of protests marches that contributed to the ouster of former President Ibrahim Boubakar Keita at the Independence Square in Bamako, Mali June 4, 2021. REUTERS/Amadou Keita/File Photo

BAMAKO (Reuters) - Malian political parties and civil society groups jointly rejected on Thursday the ruling junta's order to suspend political activities and vowed to mount a legal challenge to what one opposition politician called the "dictatorial" move.

The West African country has been under military rule since a coup in 2020. Tensions have risen in recent weeks, leading major parties and other organisations jointly to call out the junta on March 31 for not scheduling elections within the promised time frame.