Mali’s junta leader General Assimi Goïta has officially secured an indefinite grip on power after signing a law granting himself a renewable five-year presidential mandate without the need for elections.
The law,made public Thursday (10 July),follows recommendations from a junta-led national dialogue widely boycotted by political groups. Initially celebrated as a reformist after seizing power in two coups in 2020 and 2021,Goïta had pledged to restore civilian rule by March 2024. That promise has now been replaced by a self-declared presidency lasting “as many times as necessary,” justified under the ambiguous condition of ‘national pacification.’ The bill,approved by the military-controlled legislature and signed on 8 July,enables Goïta to rule at least until 2030. It coincides with an escalating clampdown on civic freedoms. In May,the junta dissolved all political parties and banned public meetings,tightening control over political expression.
Goïta’s administration has also pivoted away from Western allies,strengthening ties with Russia and forming the Alliance of Sahel States alongside Burkina Faso and Niger. Russian mercenaries have been deployed to fight jihadist groups,though both they and Malian forces face accusations of civilian abuses. While some Malians still view Goïta as a strongman defending sovereignty,critics warn his indefinite mandate signals a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic institutions.
United News - unews.co.za