In a shocking turn of events, Assimi Goita, the current president of Mali’s transitional government, is set to extend his rule until at least 2030 without ever facing the ballot box. This move has sparked serious concerns about the future of democracy in the West African nation. Goita has been in power since May 28, 2021, following two military coups in 2020 and 2021. His rise to power was marked by a pledge to return the country to civilian rule by the end of 2024, but it appears those plans have been put on hold.
Last month, Goita received significant backing from key allies to remain in power indefinitely, paving the way for a potentially permanent extension of his mandate. On Wednesday, the Malian Council of Ministers approved a law that would allow Goita to stay in power until at least 2030, with the added provision of making his term “renewable.” This means that Goita could continue to lead the government without ever being elected by the Malian people. The law still needs to be examined by the National Transitional Council, but if approved, it would mark a significant blow to democratic aspirations in Mali.
The situation is particularly concerning given that Goita and the military junta had initially committed to returning power to civil society by the end of 2024. However, with no elections announced or held, it seems that the military is consolidating its grip on power. The extension of Goita’s mandate raises serious questions about the commitment to democratic principles and the future of Mali’s political landscape. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how events develop and what implications this may have for the region as a whole.
The approval of the law by the Malian Council of Ministers is a significant development, and the upcoming examination by the National Transitional Council will be closely watched. The fact that Goita’s term could be renewable adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation, as it potentially opens the door to a permanent military regime. The lack of elections and the extension of Goita’s mandate without a democratic process have sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions in Mali. As the country navigates this critical juncture, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what the future holds for the people of Mali.
