Participants in the recently held “National Dialogue” in Mali recommended extending the transitional period led by the military council for an additional three years until 2027.
The decision came at a time of continued boycotts by opposition parties, who criticize the military authority for trying to exploit the situation to stay in power.
The recommendations emanating from the dialogue included the possibility of nominating the head of the military council, Assimi Goïta, in the upcoming presidential elections, and a proposal was put forward to open a dialogue with armed groups to stabilize the country.
Mali has seen several coups starting in 2020, which have disrupted plans for elections scheduled for February due to deteriorating security conditions and increased attacks.
Mali’s opposition includes an alliance called the National Forces Rally , also known as the “M5” movement, which led the protest against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in 2020, and the north is represented by four armed movements: Azawad, al-Qaeda in the Arab Maghreb, Jihad and Tawhid (Jihad and Tawhid), and Ansar al-Din.
The financial authorities suspend the activities of political parties