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

Mali's military leader made an unusual reference on November 27 to preparations for an election that is expected to end military rule in the West African country.

Mali's military government leader, General Assimi Goita (standing in the middle of the front row). (Source: X)

AFP news agency reported that the minutes of the meeting of Mali's Council of Ministers said that General Assimi Goita, head of the military government, asked the government to prepare the necessary conditions to hold transparent and peaceful elections.

"We must take all measures to hold elections as soon as possible," Mr. Goita said, reaffirming the urgency of a credible electoral process.

Recalling that these elections represent an important step towards returning Mali to civilian governance and stability, the military government leader also praised the work of Prime Minister , Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, and his government, emphasizing the trust placed in the military government for this historic mission.

Such statements are rare, given Mali's volatile political situation, and the military government has often been silent about the possibility of handing over power to civilians, AFP reported.

Last week, the West African nation's civilian prime minister was fired for criticizing the military government, further confirming the military's grip on power.

However, the election Mr Goita mentioned on November 27 would “end the transition” – a term the military government uses to refer to a period of stabilising the crisis-torn, jihadist-ravaged country before handing over power to elected civilian leaders.

After seizing power in successive coups in 2020 and 2021, the Malian military initially pledged under international pressure to hand over power to civilians in March 2024, after presidential elections. But it has not kept its promise, and has not set a deadline for new elections.

If the military does indeed call a presidential election, Mr 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 in a political and security crisis due to attacks by jihadists and other armed groups, as well as a separatist struggle in the country's northern desert region.

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