In a significant development that could reshape Mali's political landscape, a national conference held in Bamako on April 29, 2025, has recommended appointing junta leader General Assimi Goïta as president for a renewable five-year term and dissolving all existing political parties. This move has intensified concerns about the entrenchment of military rule and the suppression of democratic processes in the West African nation.

The conference, organized by Mali's military regime, convened over 400 delegates from regional and diaspora communities. Notably absent were representatives from political parties, which boycotted the event, labeling it unrepresentative and unconstitutional. Abdoulaye Yaro, chief of staff of the Yelema party, stated, "These consultations are not representative of the Malian people because we ourselves, who represent the political parties, did not participate in this meeting." He further criticized the recommendations, asserting that implementing them would be "a disaster for Mali" and a violation of the constitution.

This development is the latest in a series of actions by the military junta to consolidate power since seizing control in coups during 2020 and 2021. In April 2024, the junta suspended all political activities and banned media coverage of political parties, citing the need to maintain public order. Government spokesperson Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga justified the suspension by blaming "sterile discussions" during national dialogues and alleging that "subversive acts by political parties are multiplying." The United Nations expressed deep concern over these measures, urging the junta to "immediately" lift the suspension of political parties' and media activities.

In January 2025, Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This move has further isolated Mali from regional bodies and is viewed as a step toward consolidating military alliances in the region. The withdrawal resulted in ECOWAS losing 76 million of its 446 million people and a significant portion of its total geographical land area.

The junta's actions have led to increased suppression of political dissent and media freedom. In April 2024, the High Authority for Communication ordered all media to cease reporting on political parties, effectively silencing opposition voices. This suppression has been criticized by international organizations, including the United Nations, which called for the immediate lifting of these restrictions.

The consolidation of military rule and the suppression of political activities have also led to public protests. In May 2025, hundreds of activists held Mali's first pro-democracy rally in years, protesting the junta's moves to dissolve political parties. The demonstration, which occurred in Bamako, defied threats from the authorities and marked growing tensions since the military coups of 2020 and 2021.

The recommendations from the national conference are expected to be implemented in the coming days, further solidifying the junta's grip on power. Critics argue that these measures could lead to prolonged military rule and the erosion of democratic institutions in Mali. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for the restoration of civilian governance and respect for democratic principles.