The Malian transitional government has approved a landmark bill establishing a renewable five-year presidential term for the head of the Transition, a move that aligns with outcomes from the April 2025 Inter-Malian Dialogue and mirrors governance models adopted by fellow Confederation of Sahel States (AES) members, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Passed by the Council of Ministers on June 11, 2025, the bill revises the Transition Charter, effectively granting the current transitional leader presidential status with a renewable mandate. While no clear electoral calendar has been announced, officials argue the measure is vital for ensuring institutional continuity, implementing national reforms, and navigating persistent security threats.
The change builds upon Mali’s July 2023 Constitution, which redefined the country’s political architecture and emphasized state sovereignty amid deteriorating relations with international partners. The government insists the move is a product of national consensus reached during broad consultations involving political actors, civil society, and traditional leaders. The policy also reinforces Mali’s commitment to regional integration under the AES, a bloc formed in July 2024 after Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso collectively withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2025, citing disagreements over political timelines and sanctions.
Similar constitutional frameworks have already been adopted by Mali’s AES allies. Niger ratified a national charter granting General Abdourahamane Tiani a renewable five-year term, while Burkina Faso extended Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership following a national dialogue in early 2025. Mali’s transitional authorities emphasize that the new law will undergo further validation procedures, including potential review by constitutional bodies and public consultations, to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to national and international governance standards.
The bill has sparked mixed reactions from political observers and civil society groups, with some warning of democratic regression, while others applaud it as a step toward regional cohesion and homegrown stability.
