Law gives junta chief unlimited mandate

Mali's junta chief has granted himself a five-year presidential mandate, renewable “as many times as necessary” and without election, in a law made public on Thursday.

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Gen Assimi Goita’s approval of the measure had been widely expected for several days, and comes after the country's military-appointed legislative body passed the bill last week.

The law, which was leaked to the public after being signed by Gen Goita on Tuesday, allows him to lead the West African country until at least 2030, despite the military government's initial pledge to return to civilian rule in March 2024.

It is the latest in a series of restrictions on freedoms by Mali’s military leadership to consolidate its power in the jihadist-hit Sahelian nation.

The country’s cabinet, the Council of Ministers, had already adopted the measure last month.

Under the law Gen Goita will be able to serve “as head of state for a term of five (05) years, renewable as many times as necessary, until the country is pacified”.