Mali assesses transition six years after Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta's ousting

Six years after the August 18, 2020, coup that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, Mali continues to navigate a complex transitional period. The military takeover, led by the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) under Colonel Assimi Goïta, followed months of popular protests regarding security, corruption, and economic hardship.

The transition has resulted in significant structural changes, including a new constitution, shifted political alliances, and a revised security framework. While analysts note progress in reducing the operational capacity of terrorist groups, the security threat remains a major concern for the nation.

Despite these shifts, challenges persist in governance, judicial systems, and living conditions. The original goal of returning to elected institutions has faced multiple delays. Following the arrest of transitional leaders Bah N’Daw and Moctar Ouane in 2021, Assimi Goïta assumed the presidency. Although ECOWAS imposed sanctions to encourage a return to civilian rule, the timeline for national elections remains unresolved.