New five-year term for Goita

MALI'S military authorities yesterday granted the junta chief a five-year presidential mandate, renewable “as many times as necessary” and without election.

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The move clears the way for General Assimi Goita 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.

The bill, adopted by the legislative body, now only needs approval by the junta leader himself, who rose to power following back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021.

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 bill was unanimously backed by the 131 members present in the National Transitional Council, a journalist said.

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

The transition is fixed at five years, renewable “as many times as necessary, until the pacification of the country, from the promulgation of this charter”, the bill, seen by AFP, states.