Mali coup leader Assimi Goïta granted five-year term in power
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Mali's parliament extends coup leader Assimi Goïta's presidency without elections, raising fears of authoritarianism.
Mali Coup Leader Assimi Goïta Granted Five-Year Term Without Elections
Transitional Parliament Approves Extended Presidency
Mali’s transitional parliament has unanimously granted military ruler General Assimi Goïta a five-year renewable presidential term without holding elections. This controversial move effectively allows him to remain in power until at least 2030. The law also permits the term to be renewed “as many times as necessary,” framing his rule as temporary but without a clear democratic endpoint. Many Malians and international observers fear this will institutionalize authoritarian rule and further delay the country’s return to democracy.
General Goïta Tightens Grip on Mali’s Leadership
Assimi Goïta, now 41 years old, has taken power in two coups—first in August 2020 and again in May 2021. Despite earlier promises to restore democracy and hold elections, Goïta has consistently extended transitional timelines. After the 2021 coup, he was officially named transitional president and committed to organizing elections within 18 months. That pledge has now been disregarded, and instead, his presidency has been extended through parliamentary decree.
The New Law Raises Alarm Over Democratic Backsliding
The bill, approved on Thursday by 131 members of Mali’s 147-seat National Transitional Council, not only extends Goïta’s rule but also allows all transitional officials to run in future presidential and general elections. Critics argue this blurs the lines between military governance and democratic legitimacy, creating unfair advantages for junta members. Many fear the law could enable repression of opposition voices, particularly after the junta banned all political parties in May, citing national security concerns.
Official Justification: “Pacify the Nation”
Supporters of the bill claim that Mali must first be “pacified” before elections can be held. Malick Diaw, president of the transitional parliament, described the decision as “a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali” and said the measure reflects “the popular will.” However, opponents question how long it will take to achieve so-called pacification and whether this justification will be used indefinitely to delay elections.
Growing Crackdown on Opposition and Civil Liberties
Since banning political parties, the military government has significantly tightened control over dissent. Civil society organizations and independent media have reported increased surveillance, arrests of opposition figures, and reduced space for civic engagement. Human rights groups are now warning
Jihadist Threats Remain Unchecked Under Junta Rule
One of Goïta’s initial justifications for seizing power was to better handle the jihadist insurgency plaguing the country. However, attacks by groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State have only intensified. Just this week, coordinated assaults were carried out on military posts in several towns across Mali, marking the third major attack on the army in a single month. The instability continues to displace civilians and undermine the government’s claim of restoring order.g that Mali risks returning to a full-blown dictatorship if electoral promises continue to be postponed under the pretext of national security.
Shift in Foreign Alliances Sparks Regional Tension
Since taking power, General Goïta has strategically shifted Mali’s foreign policy. He has distanced the country from former colonial power France, expelled UN peacekeepers, and instead fostered stronger ties with Russia. In a regional twist, Mali has formed alliances with neighboring junta-led Burkina Faso and Niger, all three of which recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), citing external pressure to return to civilian rule.
From Civilian Promises to Authoritarian Practices
Initially, General Goïta had transferred power to a civilian-led transitional government, supposedly to guide the country toward democratic elections. However, when Ecowas insisted that a civilian lead the transition, Goïta seized power again in 2021, dismissing the transitional leadership. Since then, he has continued consolidating power while simultaneously limiting political freedoms and delaying any credible electoral roadmap.
Wider Regional Implications of Mali’s Political Shift
The developments in Mali have implications far beyond its borders. With Burkina Faso and Niger following a similar anti-Western and pro-Russian path, West Africa is witnessing a concerning democratic decline. Observers worry that the normalization of military rule in the Sahel could destabilize the region further and reduce pressure on junta leaders to return to electoral governance.
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