Mali cabinet backs bill to extend junta leader's term
BAMAKO - Mali's cabinet has adopted a bill that could pave the way for the ruling junta's leader to remain in power for at least five more years without an election.
The measure next heads to the National Transitional Council, which was established by the military government after it seized power in back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021.
Last month, General Assimi Goita ordered the dissolution of all political parties in the west African country, despite having pledged last year to return power to civilians.
The bill proposes granting "the head of state a renewable five-year mandate from 2025", the council of ministers, appointed by the president, said in a statement Wednesday.
In April, a national assembly called by the junta recommended proclaiming Goita president without a vote for a five-year renewable term, which would keep him in power until at least 2030.
The same assembly had also recommended the liquidation of the political parties.
The ongoing squeeze on Mali's civic space comes against a backdrop of clamour by authorities for the country to unite behind the military.
Since 2012, Mali has been mired in violence carried out by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as other criminal organisations.
Over the past week and a half, military installations in the country have come under a string of attacks.
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