Mali’s cabinet has approved a draft bill that could allow junta leader General Assimi Goita to remain in power for at least five more years—without holding elections.
The proposal now heads to the National Transitional Council, a body formed by the military following its twin coups in 2020 and 2021. If passed, the legislation would grant the head of state a renewable five-year mandate starting in 2025, according to a statement released Wednesday by the junta-appointed Council of Ministers.
The move follows a national forum in April, organized by the military, which recommended declaring Goita president without an election and called for the dissolution of political parties. Last month, Goita acted on that recommendation by dissolving all political parties in the country.
The developments signal a tightening grip on power by Mali’s military rulers and a shrinking space for political opposition. The junta has called for national unity behind the armed forces amid growing security challenges.
Since 2012, Mali has been plagued by ongoing violence involving jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as armed criminal networks. In recent weeks, the country has seen a surge in attacks targeting military installations, further complicating its political and security crisis.
