Mali's military government gives unusual signals, is there about to be a major change in the political crisis in the West African country?

On November 27, the head of Mali's military government made an unusual hint about preparing for an election, which is expected to end military rule in the West African nation.

Mali's military junta leader, General Assimi Goita (center in the front row). (Source: X)

According to AFP , minutes from a meeting of Mali's Council of Ministers indicate that General Assimi Goita, head of the military government, requested the government to prepare the necessary conditions for holding transparent and peaceful elections.

Mr. Goita stated clearly: "We must take every measure to hold elections as soon as possible," while reaffirming the urgency of a credible electoral process.

Reiterating that these elections represent a crucial step toward returning Mali to civilian rule and stability, the military junta leader also praised the performance of Prime Minister Major General Abdoulaye Maïga and his government, emphasizing the confidence placed in the military government for this historic mission.

According to AFP , such statements are rare given Mali's volatile political situation and the military junta's general silence on the possibility of handing over power to civilian forces.

Last week, the civilian prime minister of this West African nation was dismissed for criticizing the military government. His dismissal further confirms the military's grip on power.

However, the election that Goita referred to on November 27 would "end the transition process"—a term the military government uses to describe the period of stabilizing a country in crisis and ravaged by jihadist forces, before handing over power to elected civilian leaders.

After seizing power in successive coups in 2020 and 2021, initially under pressure from international public opinion, the Malian military pledged to hand over power to civilian forces by March 2024, following presidential elections. However, they failed to keep their promise and did not set a deadline for new elections.

If the military does indeed call for a presidential election, Goita is expected to run, despite the military's initial pledges not to seek office after returning the country to civilian rule.

Since 2012, Mali has been mired in a political and security crisis due to attacks by jihadist forces and other armed groups, as well as separatist struggles in the desert region of the country's north.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chinh-quyen-quan-su-mali-ra-am-hieu-bat-thuong-sap-co-su-bien-chuyen-lon-cho-khung-hoang-chinh-tri-o-quoc-gia-tay-phi-295368.html