Mali’s transitional parliament has formally granted military ruler Assimi Goïta a five-year presidential term, renewable indefinitely without elections, a move that deepens the country’s departure from democratic governance.
The bill, approved on Thursday by 131 of 147 members of the National Transitional Council, states that Goïta’s mandate can be extended “as many times as necessary” until Mali is “pacified.”
Malick Diaw, president of the legislative body, described the decision as “a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali.” He added, “The adoption of this text is in accordance with the popular will.”
The legislation also gives Goïta, his cabinet, and transitional lawmakers the legal right to contest in future presidential and general elections. However, the law does not set a timeline for when those elections will be held.
Goïta, a 41-year-old army colonel, first seized power in a 2020 coup and staged another in 2021 to consolidate his authority. Though the junta pledged in June 2022 to restore civilian rule by March 2024, no elections were held, and no new date has been announced.
In March this year, Goïta reiterated a promise to return Mali to democratic rule, but that statement did not result in any formal commitments or schedules.
Earlier, in November 2024, Goïta dismissed then Prime Minister Choguel Maiga, a civilian appointee who had voiced frustration over the indefinite delay in transitioning to democratic rule. Maiga, a former minister and presidential candidate, had warned at a public rally that the political process was at risk of regressing.
“The transition was supposed to end on 26 March, 2024, but it has been postponed indefinitely, unilaterally, without debate within the government. This is not normal in a government,” Maiga said at the time, adding that he had not been informed of the decision to postpone the elections.
Goïta’s decree later terminated Maiga’s appointment along with the entire cabinet.
Thursday’s legislative action effectively secures Goïta’s rule through at least 2030. It follows a series of authoritarian moves by the junta, including the banning of political parties in May, amid a wider crackdown on dissent.
The developments have raised concerns among observers and human rights groups about Mali’s political direction and the potential for continued repression under military rule.
