Participants in Mali’s national dialogue suggests additional years for ruling junta

The ruling military junta in Mali may stay for additional years in power as participants in the country’s national dialogue recommended extending the military-led transition to democracy by three years.

They also suggested that junta leader Assimi Goita can contest the eventual election when it is time.

The West African country has been under military rule since a coup in 2020, leading to tension over the junta’s failure to stick to a promised timeline for the return to constitutional rule.

Months-long nationwide consultations, which were boycotted by many of the opposition, culminated with a host of recommendations, including the extension of the transition to five years from two, effectively prolonging the junta’s rule to 2027.

On security-related matters, consultation participants recommended the authorities be open to conversation with extremist armed organizations as well as engage with all Malian armed movements.

The raging insecurity, economic woes, election delays, and the authorities’ latest move to restrict political activity have fueled anger with the junta in some areas.

An alliance of political parties and civil society organizations formed in April and refused to engage in the national conversation, sparking concerns among the members of the international community.