Mali’s military leader, Gen Assimi Goita, has secured key backing to extend his rule for another five years, further dimming hopes for a return to civilian-led democracy in the troubled West African nation. The endorsement comes from a national conference organized by his military regime, which recommended naming him president until 2030.
Gen Goïta, 41, has twice seized power first in August 2020, when he led a coup against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita amid mass anti-government protests, and again in May 2021, toppling a transitional government he deemed ineffective. Although he initially pledged to hold elections within 18 months of his second takeover, those plans have since been shelved.
The recent conference, reportedly boycotted by key opposition groups, also suggested halting all electoral activities until the country achieves peace. This move comes amid ongoing jihadist violence linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates, which has destabilized much of Mali’s territory.
Critics have slammed the recommendations. Opposition leader Mohamed Salia Touré warned that dismantling the multi-party political system would be a “historic error.” Meanwhile, Amnesty International raised alarm over suggestions to dissolve political parties entirely. Ousmane Diallo, a Sahel researcher for the rights group, described the proposal as a “flagrant attack on the rights to freedom of expression and association.”
While it remains unclear if all political parties are targeted or just those not meeting certain conditions, the recommendation further deepens concerns over authoritarian entrenchment.
Since assuming control, Gen Goita has drastically realigned Mali’s foreign policy. His administration cut ties with France, the former colonial power, and embraced cooperation with Russia. Alongside military-led governments in Burkina Faso and Niger, Mali has also withdrawn from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, after facing pressure to restore democratic rule.
Gen Goita, elevated to a five-star general in 2023, has not publicly commented on the recent endorsement. However, the national conference appears to be a clear attempt to legitimize his long-term hold on power in defiance of earlier promises of democratic transition.
As Mali faces ongoing insecurity and international isolation, the future of its political trajectory remains deeply uncertain.
