Mali’s transitional parliament has unanimously approved a bill granting interim leader Gen. Assimi Goita an unelected presidential mandate that can be renewed indefinitely, effectively allowing him to remain in power without elections. The vote, held on Thursday, saw all 131 members of the transitional assembly present backing the controversial legislation. The law states that Goita’s mandate “may be renewed as many times as necessary,” signaling no clear timeline for a return to democratic governance.
Goita, 41, has held power since leading a coup in August 2020 that ousted former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, citing the government’s failure to quell an Islamist insurgency and widespread public discontent. He later consolidated control through a second coup in May 2021, removing civilian leaders from the transitional government. The new legislation, which cements Goita’s authority until at least 2030, comes despite ongoing pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and Western nations urging a clear path back to civilian rule.
Since taking power, Mali’s military government has postponed elections multiple times, citing security concerns and the need for institutional reforms. Critics argue the junta is entrenching authoritarian rule under the guise of a transition. Mali has faced increasing isolation in recent years. It withdrew from ECOWAS in 2024 alongside Burkina Faso and Niger to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and has deepened ties with Russia while expelling French and UN forces from its territory. The indefinite extension of Goita’s rule raises fresh concerns over the erosion of democratic norms in the Sahel region, where military takeovers have become increasingly common.
