Mali’s military tightens grip on power as Goita poised to rule until 2030 without election

Mali’s transitional president,Colonel Assimi Goita,could remain in power until at least 2030 — without facing an election after a controversial bill approved by Mali’s Council of Ministers on 11 June has proposed granting Goita a renewable five-year term starting in 2025.

The bill,now awaiting ratification by the National Transitional Council,cements a military-led transition that has repeatedly postponed promised democratic elections. Goita seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021,initially pledging to restore civilian rule. However,elections have been delayed multiple times,and in May 2025,he dissolved all political parties,citing “public order.” The crackdown followed a national dialogue — boycotted by major opposition groups—that recommended Goita’s extended leadership and tighter restrictions on forming political parties.

Critics,including Amnesty International and local pro-democracy activists,warn the move deepens Mali’s democratic backsliding,with opposition leader Mohamed Salia Touré calling it a “historic error.” Goita’s government defends its actions as necessary for national security amid persistent jihadist violence. But rights groups accuse the military,along with Russian mercenaries,of abuses. Mali has pivoted away from France and the United Nations,aligning with Russia and forming a military bloc with fellow coup-led neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger. Despite protests,Goita retains support among segments of the population who see the military as a bulwark against instability.