Mali’s National Transitional Council voted overwhelmingly on Thursday in favor of a bill granting transitional president General Assimi Goïta a five-year renewable presidential term—without holding elections—citing the country’s security situation.
The bill requires Goïta’s signature to become law, potentially allowing him to remain in power until at least 2030.
The vote follows the cabinet’s approval of the draft law on June 12, based on recommendations from national consultations held by the military junta at the end of April.
General Malick Diaw, president of the National Transitional Council, hailed the move as “a major step toward rebuilding Mali,” claiming it “reflects the will of the people.”
Mali’s military leaders, who seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, had previously pledged to hand power back to civilians by March 2024. However, they later postponed elections indefinitely, drawing widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.
