Mali’s Junta Leader Recommended for Extended Presidency by Political Allies

Mali’s military leader, Gen. Assimi Goïta, has secured the support of some of the country’s political figures to be declared president for the next five years. Goïta seized power for the second time in 2021 and had promised to hold elections after one year. The recommendation came after a national conference organized by his regime, which was boycotted by key opposition parties. The move has sparked criticism, with opposition leaders warning it would be a historic error for Mali’s multi-party system. Goïta, who first took power in 2020, has moved Mali closer to Russia since his second coup. At the same time, he has distanced the country from its former colonial ruler, France, and regional groupings like ECOWAS. His regime, focused on combating jihadist violence, has faced growing international scrutiny for undermining democratic processes.

BBC