The military-appointed legislature in Mali has approved a new law granting junta leader, General Assimi Goita, a renewable five-year term in office without an election, effectively extending his rule beyond 2030.
This development comes despite the military government’s earlier pledge to hand over power to civilians by March 2024, a promise now abandoned.
The legislation sailed through the National Transitional Council, made up of 147 members, and is now awaiting Goita’s signature to become law. The proposal had already received cabinet approval last month.
Goita, who seized power after two coups in 2020 and 2021, had initially vowed to return Mali to democratic rule. Instead, the military has tightened its grip, dissolving political parties in May and cracking down on civic space.
“This is a significant step in Mali’s rebuilding process,” said Malick Diaw, president of the National Transitional Council, following the vote.
Mali has struggled with jihadist violence linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates since 2012. Despite promises to stabilize the country, attacks have worsened in recent weeks.
Earlier this year, a national assembly handpicked by the junta had already declared Goita president for a renewable five-year term, further cementing military control.
