Only two former presidents of state in Mali’s history have been elevated to the highest military rank of Army General, which has been awarded to Assimi Goïta, the country’s military chief. More than a year has passed since Mali ratified a new constitution that increases the authority of the president and military.
Goïta, a military officer, led the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, a military group that overthrew former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in 2020, and has served as Mali’s acting president since May 28, 2021.
Goïta’s promotion was announced by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday through the general secretariat website of the Malian government. In the Malian military junta, five additional powerful colonels received extraordinary promotions to four-star generals.
This action strengthens Goïta’s hold on Mali’s top spot, giving him more control over the country’s administration and military. The new constitution, enacted in 2023, has already strengthened the president’s powers and those of the military forces.
