Mali’s transitional president and military ruler, General Assimi Goïta, has signed into law a controversial measure that allows him to remain in power for a five-year term — renewable indefinitely. The law, which was passed unanimously by the National Transitional Council last week, effectively extends military rule in the country and delays a return to democratic governance.
The legislation stipulates that the transitional president will serve “for a term of five (05) years, renewable as many times as necessary, until the country is pacified.” This means Goïta could remain in power well beyond 2030, with no elections in sight.
The move has sparked criticism both within Mali and from international observers, who view it as a consolidation of authoritarian rule. Mali’s military government had previously pledged to hold democratic elections by March 2024, a commitment now effectively scrapped.
General Goïta, 41, came to power following two successive coups — first ousting President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in August 2020, and later deposing the civilian-led transitional government in May 2021. Despite promising elections in 2022, the timetable for a return to civilian rule has continually shifted.
Malick Diaw, President of the National Transitional Council, defended the law, calling it “a reflection of the popular will” and “a major step forward in rebuilding Mali.” However, critics argue that it entrenches military dominance, suppresses political opposition, and erodes prospects for democratic reform.
In May, the junta banned political parties and associations, raising further alarm over increasing repression and the shrinking space for dissent.
The new law also allows members of the transitional government — including Goïta, cabinet ministers, and parliamentarians — to run in future elections, giving current power holders a continued stake in Mali’s political future.
Meanwhile, Mali remains plagued by escalating violence. On Tuesday, jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS launched coordinated attacks on military posts in several towns — the third such assault in a month.
Since taking control, Goïta has realigned Mali’s foreign policy, ending military cooperation with France, drawing closer to Russia, and leading Mali’s withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS. In a broader regional shift, Mali has formed a security alliance with fellow military-led neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger to resist external pressure.
As the junta tightens its grip, analysts warn that Mali’s democratic future hangs in the balance.
