Mali’s promise of democracy fades as junta extends Assimi Goita’s rule

General Assimi Goita, who took power in a 2020 coup, has extended his rule in Mali. via REUTERS - Pavel Bednyakov

Bamako (AFP) – Five years after taking power by force, Mali's junta leader, General Assimi Goita, has abandoned his promise of a democratic transition, extending his military rule for at least five more years without an election.

Goita, 41, burst onto the public scene as a young, relatively unknown military officer when he deposed president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in an August 2020 coup.