Latest news with #Goïta
Daily News Egypt
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
New Law Grants Mali's Goïta Five-Year Presidential Term with Unlimited Renewals, No Elections
Mali's interim leader Assimi Goïta has signed into law a decree granting himself a five-year presidential term, renewable indefinitely, without elections—further entrenching military rule in the West African country. The law, signed on Tuesday and published Thursday, was approved last week by a military-appointed legislative council. It allows Goïta to remain in power until at least 2030, despite earlier commitments by Mali's transitional government to return to civilian rule. According to the new legislation, Goïta may continue as head of state for multiple terms 'as long as necessary,' citing the need to restore peace and stability amid ongoing security challenges. The cabinet endorsed the draft law in June, just months after the government, in March 2024, reiterated its intention to hold elections and restore constitutional order. Goïta, who seized power in a 2021 coup, initially pledged to combat jihadist insurgencies and transition to a democratically elected government. However, the military has since delayed electoral deadlines and taken further steps to consolidate its authority. The new law follows a series of restrictive measures imposed by the junta, including the dissolution of political parties and the suspension of political gatherings announced in May. The move was supported by outcomes from a national consultation led by the military council, which recommended that Goïta be appointed president for a renewable five-year term without elections. The national assembly—dominated by pro-junta figures and boycotted by most political groups—also called for the dissolution of political parties and tougher regulations on party formation. Observers say the developments mark a further rollback of political freedoms in Mali and deepen concerns over the country's prolonged transition under military control.
The South African
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Goïta new term: Is Mali's democracy paused or cancelled?
The National Transitional Council (NTC) granted Mali's military leader, General Assimi Goïta, a five-year term on 3 July 2025. He has served as the president of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) since 2024 and as Mali's interim president since 2021. The bill received strong legislative support, with 131 votes in favour out of 147 members present during the vote. The Council of Ministers approved the proposal in June, prior to its confirmation by parliament. Until Mali is considered 'pacified', the law permits unlimited renewals without requiring elections. NTC President Malick Diaw described the initiative as 'a significant advancement' for Mali's rehabilitation. PROMISES BY GOÏTA POSTPONED Following the two coups in 2020 and 2021, Goïta initially promised to hold elections by March 2024. The interim government has not yet announced a new date for the elections, and no elections have occurred. Moreover, Goïta reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, but no official plan was created. November 2024 saw the ousting of Prime Minister Choguel Maiga from office due to his criticism of election postponements. Furthermore, Maiga warned against unilaterally postponing the switchover without consulting the cabinet or the general public. Mali's junta banned public gatherings nationwide and disbanded all political parties in May 2025. The revised charter's removal of references to political plurality raised concerns regarding impartiality. According to officials, the initiatives aim to strengthen Mali against instability and Islamist threats. Human rights groups caution that military rule will intensify repression and diminish public space. Despite current restrictions, the transitional law permits junta members to participate in the upcoming elections. Goïta and the AES are leading a joint initiative with a regional army of 5,000 soldiers to conduct military operations against armed groups. All three countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger) have strengthened their ties to Russia. Mali left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in protest of calls for the return of civilian rule and democracy. Even with military actions and international cooperation, jihadist violence continues to escalate. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Business Insider
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Mali junta leader gets renewable five-year term without elections
Mali's transitional parliament has approved a controversial bill granting junta leader General Assimi Goïta a five-year presidential term, renewable without the need for elections. Mali's transitional parliament has approved a bill granting junta leader General Assimi Goïta a five-year renewable presidential term. This development was backed by recommendations from an April national conference of political stakeholders. The bill provisions indefinite tenure based on national pacification, raising concerns of potential military rule expansion. Mali's transitional parliament has approved a controversial bill granting junta leader General Assimi Goïta a five-year presidential term, renewable without the need for elections. This follows recommendations from an April national conference of political stakeholders that proposed appointing Goïta, 41, as president for a five-year term. The bill allows for the extension of his tenure 'as many times as necessary' until the country is deemed 'pacified,' a vague clause that critics fear could lead to indefinite military rule. Mali has been under military rule since August 2020, part of a wave of coups that have swept West and Central Africa in recent years, including in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Abandoned transition plans Initially, under international pressure, including from the United Nations Security Council, the junta agreed to hand over power to a civilian-led interim government with elections slated for February 2022. However, after a fallout with the interim leadership, the military reversed its stance and abandoned the transition. With this move, Gen. Goïta could remain in power until at least 2030, sparking fears among critics and civil society groups of increasing political repression and a clampdown on dissent in the West African nation. On Thursday, Mali's transitional parliament, the National Transitional Council, formally approved the bill with 131 of 147 members voting in favour. The approval comes amid rising concerns over political repression. In May, the junta banned all political parties, intensifying a broader crackdown on dissent that has continued since the military seized power. The Mali Junta has been focused on tackling the enduring insurgency in Mali's northern and central regions, where jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have maintained a stronghold for over a decade.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mali coup leader granted five-year term in power
Mali's military leader Gen Assimi Goïta has been granted a five-year presidential term by the transitional parliament, which is renewable without elections. The junta leader, who has seized power twice, had promised the return of democracy last year, but it never materialised. The bill granting his new mandate said the transition would last "as many times as necessary" and until Mali was "pacified". It clears Gen Goïta to lead the West African country until at least 2030, with many fearing the move could lead to the repression of the opposition or dissenting opinions. The 41-year-old military leader was named transitional president after his last coup in 2021. At the time he promised to hold elections the following year - but has since reneged, in a blow to efforts to restore multi-party rule. The transitional bill was on Thursday unanimously approved by 131 members of the National Transitional Council, which is composed of 147 legislators. The council had already adopted the measure in April. The president of the legislative body, Malick Diaw, called the development "a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali". "The adoption of this text is in accordance with the popular will," he said. The bill allows the transitional president, government and legislative members to stand in presidential and general elections. The military government has been trying to quell jihadist violence unleashed by groups linked with the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda. Since taking power, the junta leader has formed an alliance with coup leaders in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, pivoting the region towards Russia after cutting ties with former colonial power France. Gen Goïta has also withdrawn Mali from the regional grouping Ecowas over its demands to restore democratic rule. Burkina Faso and Niger have also left the grouping. He first staged a coup in August 2020 overthrowing then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta after huge anti-government protests against his rule and his handling of the jihadist insurgency. However, these attacks have continued and even intensified since he took power. Gen Goïta handed power to an interim government that was to oversee the transition to elections within 18 months. He had sought to lead that government, but Ecowas insisted on a civilian leader. Unhappy with the performance of the civilian transitional arrangement, he seized power again in May 2021. The region with more 'terror deaths' than rest of world combined Three military-run states leave West African bloc - what will change? Why young Africans are celebrating military takeovers Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
Business Insider
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Military hardware, gold refining top agenda in Mali–Tatarstan diplomatic meeting
Mali's transitional President Assimi Goïta is on an official visit to Russia, where military cooperation and gold sector development are high on the agenda. Mali's President Assimi Goïta visited the Kazan Kremlin to discuss military cooperation and the development of Mali's gold sector. Discussions included potential defense equipment acquisitions, economic ties, and collaborative projects like a gold refinery in Mali. These talks aim to build long-term strategic partnerships between Mali and the Republic of Tatarstan aiding Mali's geopolitical realignment. Goïta's visit highlights Mali's growing ties with Moscow in the wake of its exit from ECOWAS and its ongoing military transition—part of a broader effort to redefine the country's geopolitical stance and build new strategic partnerships beyond the West. Following a high-level meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Goïta traveled to the Republic of Tatarstan, where he held talks with Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic, at the Kazan Kremlin. The Republic of Tatarstan is a semi-autonomous republic within the Russian Federation, located in the Volga Federal District. While it is part of Russia, Tatarstan maintains a distinct cultural identity, with its own president (as a regional head), constitution, and official languages—Russian and Tatar. The meetings reflect both the symbolic and strategic dimensions of the strengthening Mali–Russia relationship, particularly in defense and resource cooperation. Minnikhanov welcomed Goïta to Kazan and expressed gratitude for Mali's interest in collaborating with Tatarstan: ' During your stay, you'll have the chance to become more familiar with our republic's capabilities, its history, culture, and traditions. We, in turn, will ensure your visit is both fruitful and engaging,' he said. The talks also emphasized the rapid economic growth across Africa in recent years and reaffirmed the growing importance of Russia's relations with the continent. Mali, Tatarstan seek relations in military, refining. On the security front, Mali is expected to request advanced military hardware, including drones, armored vehicles, and air defense systems, to reinforce its fight against jihadist insurgencies. During the meeting, Minnikhanov highlighted opportunities for strengthening trade and economic ties between Tatarstan and Mali. He noted that African markets are already familiar with Kazan-produced Mi-series helicopters and KAMAZ trucks, known for their Dakar Rally victories. ' There is a real promise in mechanical engineering, food processing, agriculture, and innovation,' he added. He also pointed to the gold refinery project spearheaded by the company 'Yadran' as a tangible example of ongoing cooperation. The refinery, currently under construction in Mali, is the result of collaboration between the Malian government, Russia's Yadran, and a Swiss investment company. Mali, one of Africa's largest gold producers, aims to boost domestic refining capacity through this strategic partnership. The cornerstone laying ceremony for the refinery took place on June 16. Construction is expected to be completed within 18 months, after which the facility will begin operations with an initial design capacity of 100 tonnes per year. Plans are already in place to expand capacity to 200 tonnes annually in subsequent phases. During his visit to Kazan, Goïta expressed interest in deepening industrial cooperation with Russian enterprises, particularly in the transport and defense sectors. 'We are interested in cooperating with KAMAZ and other enterprises,' Goïta stated, referring to the renowned Russian truck manufacturer known for its durability and performance in challenging environments. Goïta's visit signals a broader strategic shift. As Russia deepens its footprint in West Africa, countries like Mali are increasingly turning to Moscow for support—not only in defense, but also in critical sectors such as mining, infrastructure, and energy.
