Mali's military authority apprehends two generals, a potential French spy, and others over an alleged conspiracy to stage a coup.
In the heart of West Africa, Mali's ruling military junta, led by Lt. Col. Assimi Goita, continues to hold power following two coups in 2020 and 2021. The latest development in this ongoing saga is the controversial bill adopted by Mali's Council of Ministers in August 2025, granting Goita an additional five-year renewable presidential mandate.
This bill, awaiting ratification by the National Transitional Council, effectively extends Goita's rule with no set date for a return to democratic elections. The junta had initially promised a short transition period of 18 months but has remained in power for five years, postponing elections indefinitely.
Goita’s government has taken a series of actions that have raised concerns about the democratic future of Mali. In May 2025, political parties were dissolved amid rising opposition and increased repression, including kidnappings of pro-democracy activists. The junta has also cut ties with the West African regional bloc ECOWAS and allied with other Sahelian military regimes, fostering closer cooperation with Russia, Turkey, China, North Korea, and Iran.
Despite government claims of combating jihadist insurgencies, much of Mali remains insecure, with ongoing militant control and allegations of human rights abuses by military forces. Goita remains the "president of the transition, head of state," as declared by Mali’s constitutional court after his 2021 coup.
Meanwhile, in a different corner of the world, the Italian Embassy in Seoul held a commemoration for the transition to democracy. The event was not related to the ongoing situation in Mali but served as a reminder of the importance of democratic transitions, symbolised by the slogan, "Your vote, the blossom of democracy."
In a stark contrast, the last active pro-democracy group in Hong Kong has announced its intention to disband due to a perceived security crackdown. This development, while unrelated to the Malian junta, underscores the challenges faced by democratic societies worldwide.
On a different note, Lt. Col. Assimi Goita was present at an independence day military parade in Bamako, Mali on Sept. 22, 2022. The parade marked the celebration of Mali's independence, providing a public display of the junta's continued control over the country.
As the world watches, the future plans of the Malian junta appear focused on consolidating military control and forming regional alliances, while the promised democratic transition and elections have been delayed indefinitely. The blossom of democracy in Mali seems to be a distant dream for now.
Diplomacy efforts regarding Mali's ongoing political crisis are complicated by the junta's regions alliance with nations like Russia, Turkey, China, North Korea, and Iran, potentially isolating the country from Western democracies.
The controversial bill granting Lt. Col. Assimi Goita an additional five-year renewable mandate, combined with the dissolution of political parties and repression of pro-democracy activists, has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Mali.
