Malian national dialogue recommends extension of military rule

A national dialogue in Mali- boycotted by the opposition- suggested that the current military rule should continue for more years and that military ruler Assimi Goita should bid when elections are held.

Goita came to power on the back of a coup in 2020 and has maintained a firm grip on state institutions since then, while promising to hold elections and restore constitutional order.

Goita has insisted that the dialogue had been “entirely inclusive” in line with his wish for all Malians to “take part and express themselves freely.”

Since April, Mali’s transitional government has suspended all political parties and associations across the country “until further notice.”

The suspension was in response to a call by more than 80 political parties and associations for a return to constitutional order by holding presidential elections as soon as possible.

Since the coup, Mali has sacked western troops and forged an alliance with Russia, whose Wagner militias are fighting together with the Malian army against Touareg rebels.

Bamako’s ties soured with neighboring ECWAS countries that demand a return to constitutional order. Mali and military ruled neighbors, Burkina Faso and Niger, seek an alternative regional grouping.