Mali’s military-led authorities have approved a bill granting transitional president General Assimi Goïta a renewable five-year term, a move that allows him to remain in power until at least 2030 without holding elections.

The legislation, passed unanimously by 131 members of the National Transitional Council, states that the mandate can be extended “as many times as necessary” until the country is stabilised. The bill follows a series of national consultations earlier this year and awaits formal approval by Goïta himself, who took office after military takeovers in 2020 and 2021.

Civilian Rule Postponed, Freedoms Curtailed

The decision delays an earlier promise to restore civilian rule by March 2024 and comes amid continued violence by armed groups in the Sahel region. Authorities have dissolved all political parties and banned public meetings, further restricting civic freedoms.

“This is a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali,” said Malick Diaw, president of the National Transitional Council. He added that the move reflects “the popular will.”

Critics, however, argue that the political environment has been shaped by repression and the absence of independent oversight. The transitional charter allows the current leadership to run in future elections when they are held.

Regional Alliance and External Ties

Mali, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, has strengthened military and political cooperation under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), establishing a joint 5,000-strong force for security operations. All three countries have suspended political parties and distanced themselves from traditional Western partners in favour of closer relations with Russia.