Mali’s Military Leader Gen Assimi Goïta Backed for Five-Year Presidency
Mali’s military leader Gen Assimi Goïta has secured support from key political allies to remain president for the next five years, consolidating his grip on power in the West African nation.
From Transitional Leader to Extended Rule
The 41-year-old leader, who first seized power in a 2020 coup and again in 2021, was originally named transitional president with promises to hold elections. However, he has since abandoned those democratic commitments.
Video credit to: Guardian Nigeria
A regime-organized national conference – boycotted by major opposition parties – has now recommended extending Goïta’s presidency until 2030. While the military leader hasn’t publicly commented, analysts view this as an attempt to legitimize his prolonged rule.
Growing Opposition and International Concern
The move has drawn sharp criticism:
- Opposition leader Mohamed Salia Touré warned suppressing multi-party democracy would be a “historic error”
- Amnesty International denounced proposals that could dissolve political parties as “a flagrant attack on fundamental freedoms”
- The conference also recommended delaying elections until security improves, citing ongoing jihadist violence
Regional Shifts and Authoritarian Consolidation
Since taking power, Goïta has:
- Formed alliances with military leaders in Burkina Faso and Niger
- Pivoted the region toward Russia while reducing ties with former colonial power France
- Withdrawn Mali from regional bloc ECOWAS over its democratic demands
Goïta first rose to power in August 2020 amid protests against then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta’s handling of jihadist violence. After briefly handing power to a civilian transitional government, he seized control again in May 2021 when dissatisfied with its performance.
The military leader was promoted from colonel to five-star general last year, further cementing his authority as Mali continues its authoritarian turn under his rule.
Source: BBC News