Mali’s military leader, Gen. Assimi Goïta, has secured the backing of key political allies to extend his presidency for the next five years. Goïta, who seized power in a coup twice, was named transitional president after his 2021 coup, promising elections within a year—a promise he has since broken, further delaying the return to multi-party rule.
A national conference organized by Goïta’s regime—though boycotted by major opposition parties—recommended that Goïta remain president until 2030. While Goïta has not yet responded to the recommendation, the conference is seen as an effort to legitimize his continued rule.
Opposition leader Mohamed Salia Touré criticized the move, calling the suppression of the multi-party system a “historic error.” Amnesty International also condemned the proposal, which it described as an attack on the rights to freedom of expression and association.
The conference also suggested suspending elections until peace is restored in the country, as the government struggles to address jihadist violence from groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
Under Goïta’s leadership, Mali has pivoted towards Russia, severing ties with France and withdrawing from the regional body Ecowas due to its pressure to restore democracy. Goïta first took power in August 2020 after leading a coup against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, following widespread protests over his handling of the jihadist insurgency. After handing power to an interim government, Goïta seized control again in May 2021, frustrated by Ecowas’ demand for a civilian leader in the transition.