By Colonel Assimi Goita, the leader of Mali’s military junta that seized power in a 2020 coup, has promoted himself to the rank of army general with a special title, marking a significant move in the country’s political landscape. The announcement, made by the Council of Ministers and published on the Malian government’s general secretariat website, reveals that Goita now holds the highest military distinction in Mali, a rank previously held by only two former heads of state in the nation’s history.
This self-promotion to “Colonel Assimi Goita of the land army” is widely interpreted as a clear signal that Goita has no immediate plans to cede power to a civilian government in the West African nation. The move comes at a time when Mali faces increasing international pressure to return to democratic civilian rule following the 2020 military takeover.
Along with Goita’s promotion, five other influential colonels within the military junta were also “exceptionally” elevated to the rank of four-star generals. This collective advancement of the junta’s top brass further consolidates their grip on power and raises questions about the future of Mali’s promised democratic transition.
Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Morocco-based Policy Center for the New South, commented on the development, stating, “This is another indication that junta leaders will continue to position themselves as the only rulers, and have no intention of having a democratic transition into civilian rule anytime soon.” This assessment underscores growing concerns about the junta’s commitment to relinquishing control and allowing for a return to civilian governance.
The timing of these promotions is particularly significant as no date has yet been set for Mali’s presidential election. The absence of a clear timeline for elections, coupled with the junta’s self-aggrandizement, has heightened worries among regional and international observers about the prospects for a peaceful and timely transition of power.
Mali’s political situation has been a source of concern for the international community since the 2020 coup. The country, which plays a crucial role in the stability of the Sahel region, has been grappling with multiple challenges, including jihadist insurgencies and economic difficulties. The military junta’s continued hold on power complicates efforts to address these issues and restore full democratic governance.
This latest move by Goita and his associates is likely to draw further scrutiny from Mali’s neighbors, regional bodies like ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), and international partners. It may also impact ongoing discussions about sanctions, international aid, and cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
