Mali’s interim president, Général d’Armée Assimi Goïta, has been officially granted a five-year presidential mandate, solidifying the military-led government's grip on power until at least 2030. The decision was made on Wednesday after the National Transitional Council (NTC)—the military-appointed legislative body—unanimously passed legislation extending Goïta’s term.
The NTC declared the mandate renewable “as many times as necessary,” meaning no future elections will be required to extend his presidency. The legislation cited ongoing instability and civil conflict as justification for the move, asserting Goïta will remain in power until Mali is “fully pacified.”
Goïta first assumed power in March 2021 following a coup that removed then-interim President Bah N'daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, who had themselves come to power through a previous coup in September 2020.
Originally, Goïta’s government promised to hold democratic elections by 2022. That timeline was later postponed to March 2024, only to be delayed again. Officials claim the security situation remains too fragile for a national vote.
In May, the government formally dissolved all political parties in the country, citing the need to "preserve public order." The move has been criticized by opposition groups and rights organizations, though the regime maintains it is necessary to stabilize the country.
Since assuming power, Goïta has charted a significant shift in foreign and domestic policy. French military forces, which were previously stationed in Mali to combat Islamist insurgents, were expelled. In their place, Goïta’s administration has forged closer ties with Russia and taken steps to assert national control over strategic industries, particularly gold mining.
Earlier this month, Russia’s Africa Corps formally replaced the Wagner Group in supporting the Malian military’s campaign against Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists. Fighting has escalated steadily over the past month, with reports of expanded Russian support in ground operations and air strikes.
Mali is also part of the emerging Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed last year alongside Niger and Burkina Faso. The confederation—of which Goïta serves as president—aims to bolster regional defense, establish common trade mechanisms, and develop a shared currency. The AES bloc has positioned itself as a counterweight to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is seen as more aligned with Western interests.
Despite international criticism, the AES countries posted strong economic performance in 2024, with Niger registering the third-fastest economic growth in the world and the bloc averaging above 6% growth collectively.