Assimi Goita

Assimi Goita led a military coup that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Ke

Under Goita, the Islamist insurgency in Mali intensified, with attacks on civilians and military. The withdrawal of French forces and reliance on Wagner Group led to mixed results. The security situation remained dire.

Goita staged a second coup, removing interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. He then declared himself interim president. The move was condemned by ECOWAS and the AU, leading to sanctions.

Goita's government expelled French troops and ended the Barkhane counter-terrorism mission. He turned to Russia's Wagner Group for security assistance. The move shifted Mali's foreign policy away from Western allies.

Goita postponed elections indefinitely, citing security and constitutional reforms. He proposed a transition period of up to five years. ECOWAS imposed sanctions, which were later lifted after a deal for elections by 2024.