Mali’s Council of Ministers has adopted a decree to prolong the military transition by five years, potentially keeping transitional president General Assimi Goita in power until 2030. The decision is now pending approval from the transitional parliament.
The government argues the extension is necessary to complete reforms initiated after the August 2021 coup, citing security and institutional restructuring as top priorities. Critics, however, see it as a setback to promised democratic elections.
If approved, Mali would follow a growing trend among some member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), where military-led governments are seeking prolonged transitional periods.
The announcement has sparked fresh concerns among civil society groups and international partners, who fear further delays could undermine Mali’s return to constitutional order.
