Colonel Assimi Goita, who led coups in 2020 and 2021, remains the transitional president of Mali. His government has faced international criticism for its alliance with the Russian Wagner Group and delays in returning to democratic elections.
The security situation in Mali remains dire, with jihadist insurgencies by groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS continuing to inflict violence. A recent UN report noted a sharp increase in civilian casualties from military operations in 2025.
Political tensions are high as the transitional government, which initially promised elections by February 2024, has repeatedly postponed the timeline. Regional bloc ECOWAS maintains sanctions, and diplomatic relations with former ally France remain severed.
Critics, including opposition figures and civil society, accuse the junta of prioritizing military action over national cohesion and failing to address the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Malians.
