The National Transitional Council (NTC) granted Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, a five-year term on 3 July 2025.

He has served as the president of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) since 2024 and as Mali’s interim president since 2021.  

The bill received strong legislative support, with 131 votes in favour out of 147 members present during the vote.  

The Council of Ministers approved the proposal in June, prior to its confirmation by parliament.  

Until Mali is considered “pacified”, the law permits unlimited renewals without requiring elections.  

NTC President Malick Diaw described the initiative as “a significant advancement” for Mali’s rehabilitation.

Following the two coups in 2020 and 2021, Goïta initially promised to hold elections by March 2024.  

The interim government has not yet announced a new date for the elections, and no elections have occurred.  

Moreover, Goïta reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, but no official plan was created.  

November 2024 saw the ousting of Prime Minister Choguel Maiga from office due to his criticism of election postponements.

Furthermore, Maiga warned against unilaterally postponing the switchover without consulting the cabinet or the general public.

Mali’s junta banned public gatherings nationwide and disbanded all political parties in May 2025.  

The revised charter’s removal of references to political plurality raised concerns regarding impartiality.  

According to officials, the initiatives aim to strengthen Mali against instability and Islamist threats.  

Human rights groups caution that military rule will intensify repression and diminish public space.  

Despite current restrictions, the transitional law permits junta members to participate in the upcoming elections.

Goïta and the AES are leading a joint initiative with a regional army of 5,000 soldiers to conduct military operations against armed groups.  

All three countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger) have strengthened their ties to Russia.  

Mali left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in protest of calls for the return of civilian rule and democracy.  

Even with military actions and international cooperation, jihadist violence continues to escalate.

IS MALI’S TRANSITION SECURING STABILITY OR DEEPENING AUTHORITARIAN RULE?