The military ruler of Mali, General Assimi Goita has made a rare mention of elections that could end the junta’s grip on power, though no timeline was provided.
In a council of ministers meeting, Goita urged the government to create the necessary conditions for the organisation of transparent and peaceful elections, according to an official record. This marks an unusual acknowledgement of potential democratic transition by the junta, which has largely avoided committing to a return to civilian rule.
The elections, Goita suggested, would put an end to the transition—a term the military uses to describe its stated aim of stabilising the country before transferring power to civilian leaders.
This development follows the recent dismissal of Mali’s civilian prime minister, who had openly criticised the military, further solidifying the army’s dominance in governance.
After seizing power in coups in 2020 and 2021, the junta initially pledged under international pressure to hold presidential elections by March 2024. However, they later backtracked on this promise, failing to set a new date.
Since assuming power, the junta has reoriented Mali’s foreign policy, distancing itself from former colonial power France and strengthening ties with Russia.
Any future elections may see Goita himself run, despite earlier assurances from the military that it would not participate in civilian governance.
Mali remains mired in a political and security crisis driven by violence, separatist movements in the north, and ongoing instability since 2012.
