By Ollus Ndomu
Since rising to power through a military coup in May 2021, Mali’s transitional leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, has pursued an assertive and controversial path aimed at ending decades of foreign military presence and reclaiming national sovereignty. While his actions have drawn both praise and criticism, they have undeniably reshaped the political, military, and economic landscape of the West African nation.
Here’s what Goïta has achieved so far:
1. Expulsion of French Forces
Goïta oversaw the withdrawal of French troops from Mali in 2022, ending a nine-year military intervention that began under Operation Serval and continued with Operation Barkhane. The decision marked a dramatic shift in Mali’s security doctrine and came amid rising anti-French sentiment in the region.
2. Military Realignment Toward Russia
Mali has since deepened defense ties with Russia, including the procurement of advanced military hardware, fighter jets, and helicopters. The government has also engaged private Russian military contractors, believed to be members of the Wagner Group, for training and counterinsurgency operations.
3. Resource Nationalism
In one of the most striking moves, Goïta’s government demanded over $300 million in unpaid royalties from Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold. Mali also suspended several colonial-era mining contracts deemed exploitative, signaling a broader effort to reclaim control over the country’s vast natural wealth, especially in gold and uranium.
4. Sahel Sovereignty Bloc
Goïta has spearheaded a regional alliance with the military-led governments of Burkina Faso and Niger. The alliance, formally known as the Alliance of Sahel States, rejects what it describes as neo-colonial influence and champions mutual defense and cooperation. The three governments have collectively withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), further deepening their break with Western-backed institutions.
5. Popular Domestic Support in Some Quarters
While many Malians remain wary of prolonged military rule, a vocal segment of the population sees Goïta as a patriot who disrupted entrenched corruption and foreign interference. Supporters argue that a rushed return to civilian rule would undo hard-fought reforms and allow corrupt elites to reopen the country to foreign exploitation.
Concerns and Controversies
Despite these gains, critics argue that Goïta’s government has clamped down on press freedom, dissolved key democratic institutions including the electoral commission, and postponed elections that were initially scheduled for 2024. Human rights groups have raised concerns over due process and civic space under military rule.
Regional and international actors, including ECOWAS and the African Union, have called for a clear timeline for democratic transition. But Goïta insists that a return to civilian rule must be preceded by deep systemic reform to ensure true independence.
A Complex Legacy in the Making
Whether viewed as a nationalist reformer or a strongman consolidating power, Goïta has undeniably redefined Mali’s geopolitical and economic trajectory. His actions have stirred debate far beyond Mali’s borders, challenging long-held assumptions about foreign presence in Africa and the meaning of sovereignty in the 21st century.
As the Sahel evolves, Goïta’s legacy will likely hinge on whether his bold reforms produce long-term stability or deeper isolation.
