Latest news with #Goita
Al-Ahram Weekly
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Mali junta chief approves law giving him unlimited mandate - Africa
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 Thursday. General 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 Goita 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 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". When Goita took power, he insisted on Mali's commitment to the fight against jihadist violence and initially pledged a return to civilian rule. He was even celebrated in some quarters as a hero who might bring salvation to his troubled west African nation. But he ultimately failed to make good on his promise to cede power to elected civilians, which was to occur by March 2024. Earlier this year, a junta-led national consultation recommended proclaiming Goita president without a vote for the five-year renewable term. The same assembly -- boycotted by most political groups -- also recommended the dissolution of political parties and tougher rules for their creation. Subsequently, the junta announced in May the dissolution of all political parties and organisations, as well as a ban on meetings. The ongoing squeeze on Mali's civic space comes against a backdrop of clamour by authorities for the country to unite behind the military. Turning point Goita's rule has marked a turning point in Mali's relationship with the West. The country has broken ties with France and other former allies and pivoted toward Russia. Mali and its junta-led neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger have formed a confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and announced plans for a joint force of 5,000 troops to conduct coordinated military operations. Meanwhile, Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps, deployed to support the Malian army in tracking jihadist groups, continue to operate across the region. Since 2012, Mali has been engulfed in violence by jihadist factions linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, along with other armed groups and criminal networks. Those attacks have only intensified in recent weeks. Despite Mali's multifaceted tumult, Goita remains popular with a segment of the population, which views him as an architect of reform and newfound sovereignty. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
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First Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Mali's junta chief grants himself indefinite presidential term amid political crackdown
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 Thursday read more Colonel Assimi Goita (C), President of CNSP (National Committee for the Salvation of People) addresses the press during the ceremony of the 60th anniversary of Mali's independence in Bamako, on September 22, 2020. AFP File 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 Thursday. General 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 Goita 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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 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'. When Goita took power, he insisted on Mali's commitment to the fight against jihadist violence and initially pledged a return to civilian rule. He was even celebrated in some quarters as a hero who might bring salvation to his troubled west African nation. But he ultimately failed to make good on his promise to cede power to elected civilians, which was to occur by March 2024. Earlier this year, a junta-led national consultation recommended proclaiming Goita president without a vote for the five-year renewable term. The same assembly – boycotted by most political groups – also recommended the dissolution of political parties and tougher rules for their creation. Subsequently, the junta announced in May the dissolution of all political parties and organisations, as well as a ban on meetings. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ongoing squeeze on Mali's civic space comes against a backdrop of clamour by authorities for the country to unite behind the military. Turning point Goita's rule has marked a turning point in Mali's relationship with the West. The country has broken ties with France and other former allies and pivoted toward Russia. Mali and its junta-led neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger have teamed up to create their own confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and have announced the creation of a joint 5,000-strong force for joint military operations. Meanwhile its Russian mercenary allies from the Africa Corps, tasked in particular with tracking down jihadists, are regularly accused of rights violations against civilians alongside the Malian army. Since 2012, Mali has been mired in violence carried out by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as other criminal organisations. Those attacks have only intensified in recent weeks. Despite Mali's multifaceted tumult, Goita remains popular with a segment of the population, which views him as an architect of reform and newfound sovereignty.
eNCA
10-07-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Mali junta chief approves law giving him unlimited mandate
BAMAKO - 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 Thursday. General 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 Goita 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 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". When Goita took power, he insisted on Mali's commitment to the fight against jihadist violence and initially pledged a return to civilian rule. He was even celebrated in some quarters as a hero who might bring salvation to his troubled west African nation. But he ultimately failed to make good on his promise to cede power to elected civilians, which was to occur by March 2024. Earlier this year, a junta-led national consultation recommended proclaiming Goita president without a vote for the five-year renewable term. The same assembly -- boycotted by most political groups -- also recommended the dissolution of political parties and tougher rules for their creation. Subsequently, the junta announced in May the dissolution of all political parties and organisations, as well as a ban on meetings. The ongoing squeeze on Mali's civic space comes against a backdrop of clamour by authorities for the country to unite behind the military. - Turning point - Goita's rule has marked a turning point in Mali's relationship with the West. The country has broken ties with France and other former allies and pivoted toward Russia. Mali and its junta-led neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger have teamed up to create their own confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and have announced the creation of a joint 5,000-strong force for joint military operations. Meanwhile its Russian mercenary allies from the Africa Corps, tasked in particular with tracking down jihadists, are regularly accused of rights violations against civilians alongside the Malian army. Since 2012, Mali has been mired in violence carried out by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as other criminal organisations. Those attacks have only intensified in recent weeks.
eNCA
03-07-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Mali junta chief granted renewable presidential mandate
Mali's military authorities on Thursday granted the junta chief a five-year presidential mandate, renewable "as many times as necessary" and without election. 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, an AFP 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. The transitional president, government and legislative members are eligible to stand in presidential and general elections, the text says. "This is a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali," Malick Diaw, president of the National Transitional Council, told AFP after Thursday's vote. "The adoption of this text is in accordance with the popular will," he said. When Goita took power, he insisted on Mali's commitment to the fight against jihadist violence and initially pledged a return to civilian rule. But the military ultimately reneged on its promise to cede power to elected civilians by their own deadline. - Repression of dissent - Earlier this year, a junta-led national consultation recommended the move proclaiming Goita president without a vote for the five-year renewable term. The same assembly -- boycotted by most political groups -- also recommended the dissolution of political parties and tougher rules for their creation. Subsequently, the junta announced in May the dissolution of all political parties and organisations, as well as a ban on meetings. The ongoing squeeze on Mali's civic space comes against a backdrop of clamour by authorities for the country to unite behind the military. Since 2012, Mali has been mired in violence carried out by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as other criminal organisations. Those attacks have only intensified in recent weeks. The Malian army and its Russian mercenary allies from Africa Corps, tasked in particular with tracking down jihadists, are regularly accused of rights violations against civilians. Mali and its junta-led neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger have teamed up to create their own confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and have announced the creation of a joint 5,000-strong force for joint military operations. In Niger and Burkina, political parties have also been dissolved and suspended. Burkina's junta leader Capitain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a September 2022 coup, extended his transition at the helm of the country for an additional five years in May last year. In Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani overthrew democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. A national conference held in February strengthened the ruling junta by authorising Tiani to remain in power in Niger for the next five years.
France 24
03-07-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Mali junta chief granted renewable presidential mandate
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, an AFP 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. The transitional president, government and legislative members are eligible to stand in presidential and general elections, the text says. "This is a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali," Malick Diaw, president of the National Transitional Council, told AFP after Thursday's vote. "The adoption of this text is in accordance with the popular will," he said. When Goita took power, he insisted on Mali's commitment to the fight against jihadist violence and initially pledged a return to civilian rule. But the military ultimately reneged on its promise to cede power to elected civilians by their own deadline. - Repression of dissent - Earlier this year, a junta-led national consultation recommended the move proclaiming Goita president without a vote for the five-year renewable term. The same assembly -- boycotted by most political groups -- also recommended the dissolution of political parties and tougher rules for their creation. Subsequently, the junta announced in May the dissolution of all political parties and organisations, as well as a ban on meetings. The ongoing squeeze on Mali's civic space comes against a backdrop of clamour by authorities for the country to unite behind the military. Since 2012, Mali has been mired in violence carried out by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as other criminal organisations. Those attacks have only intensified in recent weeks. The Malian army and its Russian mercenary allies from Africa Corps, tasked in particular with tracking down jihadists, are regularly accused of rights violations against civilians. Mali and its junta-led neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger have teamed up to create their own confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and have announced the creation of a joint 5,000-strong force for joint military operations. In Niger and Burkina, political parties have also been dissolved and suspended. Burkina's junta leader Capitain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a September 2022 coup, extended his transition at the helm of the country for an additional five years in May last year. In Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani overthrew democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. A national conference held in February strengthened the ruling junta by authorising Tiani to remain in power in Niger for the next five years. All three Sahelian countries have turned their backs on their shared former colonial master France in favour of stronger ties with Russia and other partners.
