Bamako – Assimi Goïta, Mali’s current president, rose to power in May 2021 after leading his second military coup in less than a year. Initially the head of the transitional government following the August 2020 coup, Goïta solidified his authority by ousting the civilian leaders appointed to oversee the transition. His rise reflects both public frustration with previous administrations and a growing belief in military leadership to address the country’s mounting crises.
Goïta, a colonel in the armed forces, built his career through counterterrorism operations and close ties with Mali’s military elite. He took power with a promise to restore stability and combat the jihadist insurgency that has plagued Mali for years. While his leadership initially enjoyed public support, pressure has mounted, both domestically and internationally, for a return to civilian rule.
Since assuming office, Goïta has prioritized security, with little emphasis on political reforms. His government has postponed elections multiple times, now promising a transition to civilian rule in 2024. However, skepticism runs deep, with many questioning whether the military truly intends to relinquish power.
Under Goïta’s leadership, political freedoms have been curtailed, with critics accusing the government of suppressing dissent under the guise of maintaining order. The president has also reshuffled the military’s leadership to ensure loyalty, strengthening the armed forces to consolidate control over the country.
One of the defining aspects of Goïta’s presidency has been Mali’s break from France, its former colonial power. The military government expelled French troops and turned toward Russia for military assistance. This shift resonates with many Malians, who had grown frustrated with France’s perceived failures in addressing security issues.
There are reports of cooperation with the Russian Wagner Group, though Goïta’s government has not officially confirmed these ties. While this realignment has drawn support at home, it has also raised concerns among Western powers about Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel.
Mali’s economy continues to struggle under Goïta’s leadership, with insecurity deterring foreign investment and disrupting key sectors like agriculture and trade. The gold mining industry, a vital component of the economy, has also faced challenges maintaining stable production.
The humanitarian situation has worsened, with thousands of internally displaced people and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue, forcing many families to rely on the informal economy for survival.
The promise of elections in 2024 represents a major test for Goïta’s leadership. While he has repeatedly pledged to hand over power, delays and the lack of meaningful reforms have cast doubt on the sincerity of these promises. Both the Malian public and the international community are watching closely, demanding concrete steps toward democracy.
Assimi Goïta governs Mali at a critical crossroads, balancing military pragmatism with public expectations for democracy. While he has achieved some progress in security and reshaped the country’s foreign alliances, the absence of meaningful governance reforms and economic development poses a serious challenge to his legacy.
With elections set for 2024, Goïta faces a decisive moment: he could be remembered as the leader who restored stability and returned power to the people or risk becoming another military ruler who deepened the country’s crisis. Mali’s future now hinges on his ability to strike a balance between security, democracy, and development amid increasingly complex domestic and regional challenges.