The National Transitional Council in Mali has approved a bill granting the country’s military leader, Assimi Goïta, a five-year term in power, which is renewable without elections.

Approved on Thursday, the bill also allows the transitional president, government and legislative members to stand in presidential and general elections.

One hundred and thirty-one of the 147 members of the council gave their approval following the adoption of the measure in April.

The approval was made by 131 of the 147 members of the council following the adoption of the measure in April.

The bill noted it could be renewed “as many times as necessary” and until Mali was “pacified”.

The president of the council, Malick Diaw, described the development as a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali.

Mr Diaw stated, “The adoption of this text is in accordance with the popular will.”

Mr Goïta, 41, became the transitional president following his last coup in 2021, refusing to hold elections and entrench a multiparty system in the country despite several promises.

The military leader banned all political parties in the country amid a growing crackdown on dissent. However, the junta had tried to address jihadist violence in the country.

Aside from forming an alliance with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali and tilting the country towards Russia after cutting ties with France, Mr Goïta had withdrawn Mali from ECOWAS over its demands to restore democratic rule.