A recent national dialogue in Mali ended with recommendations that the military stay in power for several more years. It also proposed that junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita be allowed to run for office in any future polls.
The dialogue, boycotted by the opposition, was predominantly attended by military officers. Critics have characterised the process as a move to extend military rule.
Since a coup in 2020, the West African nation has been under military rule, and there has been increased tensions due to the junta’s failure to stick to the promised timeline for the restoration of constitutional governance.
Regarding security, participants recommended that authorities remain open to dialogue with Islamist armed factions and actively engage with all Malian armed groups.
In April, the military authorities strengthened their control by suspending all political activities and cracking down on opposition figures, journalists, and human rights activists.