Mali’s military-led government has officially granted General Assimi Goita a renewable five-year presidential term, paving the way for him to remain in power until at least 2030. The transitional parliament approved the measure, allowing Goita to continue leading without the need for an electoral mandate, in what many view as a significant consolidation of military control in the country.
The newly passed law establishes that the transitional phase will last five years, with the possibility of unlimited renewal. This means Goita and his administration can remain in power indefinitely, provided they deem the country’s conditions unstable or requiring further “pacification.” The justification offered for this move is the ongoing need to stabilize Mali, which has faced years of conflict, insecurity, and political turmoil.
The legislation also lifts prior restrictions that barred transitional leaders from participating in future elections. With these changes, Goita, his ministers, and members of the legislative body are now eligible to contest in presidential and general elections, should they be held in the future.
Goita rose to power through two successive coups—first in 2020 and again in 2021—disrupting a civilian-led transition that had initially been agreed upon. The military-led government had previously promised to hand over power to a civilian administration by March 2024, a commitment that has now been effectively abandoned.
This latest development follows a series of controversial decisions taken by the military rulers, including the recent dissolution of all political parties and a wave of arrests targeting opposition figures. Such actions have drawn criticism for undermining democratic norms and further eroding political freedoms in the country.
While government figures have praised the extension of Goita’s mandate as a step toward rebuilding national unity and restoring order, many Malians and international observers view it as a power grab disguised as a stabilization effort. The transitional parliament’s decision was reportedly unanimous among the 131 members present, though it remains unclear how representative this support is of the broader Malian population.
The bill only awaits Goita’s final endorsement to become law, but given his central role in the government and the lack of institutional opposition, its implementation appears virtually guaranteed.
The military leadership continues to frame its actions as being in line with the will of the people, citing national security and the need for continued reform as justifications. However, critics argue that the regime is tightening its grip on power, marginalizing dissent, and delaying the return to democratic governance indefinitely.
With these sweeping changes now in motion, Mali faces a critical juncture. The country must grapple with the long-term implications of prolonged military rule, even as it remains entangled in ongoing security challenges, economic hardship, and demands for greater political freedoms.
