On 4 July 2025, Mali’s transitional parliament formally extended military leader General Assimi Goïta’s presidential term by five years, renewable indefinitely without the need for elections. This move allows Goïta to remain in power at least until 2030, effectively postponing any return to civilian democratic governance. The legislation was passed unanimously by 131 of the 147 members of the National Transitional Council and was described by its president, Malick Diaw, as a major step forward in Mali’s reconstruction and aligned with the popular will.
Goïta, who seized power through two military coups in 2020 and 2021, had previously pledged to restore civilian rule by March 2024, but elections have been repeatedly delayed with no new date set. The bill grants Goïta and transitional government officials the legal right to contest future elections, though no timeline for these polls has been established. The extension follows a series of authoritarian measures by the junta, including the dissolution of political parties and a crackdown on dissent, raising concerns about Mali’s democratic future and human rights situation.
Timeline of Mali Governments
2010–2012: Mali was governed as a constitutional democracy under the 1992 Constitution, with President Amadou Toumani Touré serving until his overthrow in 2012. The government operated as a semi-presidential system with an elected president and appointed prime minister.
March 2012: Military coup led by Captain Amadou Sanogo ousted President Touré amid dissatisfaction with the handling of a Tuareg rebellion in the north. The coup led to the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of government institutions.
April 2012 – 2013: Transitional government established under Dioncounda Traoré as interim president, tasked with restoring civilian rule and organizing elections.
July–August 2013: Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (IBK) elected president in a democratic election, marking a return to civilian rule. Keita’s government focused on security challenges in northern Mali and rebuilding state institutions.
2013–2020: Keita’s presidency faced ongoing security issues, including insurgencies and intercommunal violence, as well as political unrest and protests against corruption and governance failures.
August 2020: Military coup ousted President Keita amid mass protests over corruption and insecurity. Colonel Assimi Goïta emerged as a key leader of the coup.
September 2020: Transitional government formed with Bah Ndaw as interim president and Goïta as vice president, promising elections within 18 months.
May 2021: Second coup led by Goïta removed President Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, consolidating military control. Goïta declared himself transitional president.
2021–2025: Goïta’s military-led transitional government postponed elections multiple times, citing security concerns and political instability.
July 2025: Mali’s transitional parliament extended Goïta’s rule by five years with no fixed end date, effectively solidifying military control and delaying democratic elections indefinitely.
The decision consolidates Goïta’s control amid ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region and reflects a broader regional realignment where military-led governments emphasize sovereignty and stability over liberal democratic norms. Critics warn that this indefinite extension risks deepening political repression and delaying much-needed democratic transition in Mali.
