Mali’s military ruler, General Assimi Goita, has signed a new law granting himself a five-year presidential mandate, renewable indefinitely. The controversial decision, which became public on Thursday, comes despite earlier promises by the junta to return the country to democratic rule by March 2024.
The law, passed last week by Mali’s military-appointed legislature and signed by Goita on Tuesday, states that he will remain in office “until the country is pacified.” There is no fixed limit to how many times the mandate can be renewed.
This move has drawn sharp criticism from observers who say it undermines Mali’s democracy and further tightens the grip of the military on power. It also follows a series of crackdowns on political freedom, including the dissolution of all political parties and a ban on public gatherings.
Goita, who took power in a 2021 coup, was once hailed by some as a reformer and a patriot. But critics now accuse him of clinging to power and using the country’s insecurity as a pretext to delay elections.
The shift also reflects Mali’s changing foreign alliances. Since taking office, Goita has distanced the country from France and other Western allies, drawing closer to Russia instead. Mali is now part of the Alliance of Sahel States alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, and the three nations have agreed to form a joint military force.
While some Malians still support Goita, seeing him as a strong leader in difficult times, others warn that indefinite military rule could lead the country further into isolation and unrest.
There has been no official response yet from regional bodies like ECOWAS or the African Union.
