"Assimi Goïta: Mali's President Gains Extensive Powers with New Constitution"

The military government in Mali has adopted a new constitution that grants sweeping powers to President Assimi Goïta and the armed forces, including the ability to dictate government policy and dissolve parliament. The constitution also establishes a senate and demotes French from an official to a working language. Critics fear that these changes make it easier for the military to renege on their promise of returning power to civilian leaders after the 2024 presidential election. The opposition movement has denounced the reforms, citing irregularities and violations of the law in the recent referendum.