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Mali’s transitional parliament has approved a new bill granting General Assimi Goïta, the country’s current military ruler, a renewable five-year presidential term, effectively entrenching him in power until at least 2030 without the need for an election. The move has raised fresh concerns about democratic backsliding in the already fragile West African nation.
Goïta, 41, has led Mali since orchestrating two coups, first in August 2020 and again in May 2021, and was later installed as the transitional president. Though he initially promised a return to civilian rule and free elections, those commitments have not been fulfilled.
The newly adopted legislation allows his term to be renewed indefinitely, “as many times as necessary,” according to the wording of the bill, which justifies the extension by citing the need to restore security and stability in the country. It passed with 131 votes in favor out of 147 members of the National Transitional Council (NTC), the legislative body established under military oversight.
Malick Diaw, president of the NTC and a close ally of Goïta, hailed the bill’s passage as “a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali,” claiming it aligned with the “popular will.” Critics, however, argue that it further consolidates authoritarian rule and suppresses dissent.
The legislation also allows Goïta, along with other members of the transitional government and parliament, to run in future presidential and legislative elections, despite previously imposed restrictions barring transitional authorities from contesting.
In May 2024, the military government issued a decree banning all political parties, citing the need to maintain national unity amid ongoing conflict. This move has been widely viewed as a crackdown on political opposition and a way to eliminate democratic competition.
The environment for political activity in Mali has been rapidly deteriorating. Civil society groups, opposition leaders, and media outlets have increasingly found themselves under pressure, raising fears of growing authoritarianism.
Mali remains mired in a complex and violent jihadist conflict, with groups affiliated with both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State launching repeated attacks on military targets. Just this week, coordinated assaults were reported across several towns, marking the third major wave of attacks on the army in less than a month.
The military government claims the extended transitional leadership is necessary to bring peace to the country. Yet, since Goïta took power, the insurgency has not only persisted but has intensified in several regions, including the north and central Mali.
General Goïta’s government has dramatically altered Mali’s foreign relations, particularly its ties with traditional allies. Under his leadership, Mali has cut defense and diplomatic ties with France, its former colonial power, and instead forged closer relations with Russia, including military and economic cooperation.
Mali has also pulled out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), along with Burkina Faso and Niger, both of which are also under military rule. The trio has formed a regional bloc and security alliance in defiance of international pressure to return to democratic governance.
Goïta’s rise to power began during widespread protests in 2020, when Malians took to the streets to denounce then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta over corruption and failures to contain the jihadist insurgency. The army, led by Goïta, overthrew Keïta and pledged a swift transition to civilian rule.
An interim civilian-led government was installed under pressure from ECOWAS, with the expectation that elections would take place within 18 months. However, citing security challenges and dissatisfaction with the interim leadership, Goïta led a second coup in May 2021, removing the civilian authorities and assuming full control.
That second takeover soured relations with ECOWAS and much of the international community, prompting sanctions and suspensions. The latest developments further reduce any remaining hope for a democratic transition in the near future.
Mali’s political trajectory under General Assimi Goïta has moved sharply away from democratic norms, with power now consolidated indefinitely under military rule. While the government argues that its extended mandate is necessary to fight terrorism and ensure national stability, critics both within Mali and internationally warn that the lack of political pluralism and growing repression could worsen instability rather than solve it.
With elections indefinitely postponed, political parties banned, and violent insurgencies ongoing, Mali faces a prolonged period of authoritarian rule, uncertain security conditions, and growing isolation from the broader international and regional community.