Mali coup leader granted five-year term in power
Mali's military leader Gen Assimi Goïta has been granted a five-year presidential term by the transitional parliament, which is renewable without elections.
The junta leader, who has seized power twice, had promised the return of democracy last year, but it never materialised.
The bill granting his new mandate said it could be renewed "as many times as necessary" and until Mali was "pacified".
It clears Gen Goïta to lead the West African country until at least 2030, with many fearing the move could lead to the repression of the opposition or dissenting opinions.
The 41-year-old military leader was named transitional president after his last coup in 2021.
At the time he promised to hold elections the following year - but has since reneged, in a blow to efforts to restor...