Mali Junta Leader Assimi Goita Promotes Himself to Highest Army Rank

The self-appointment signals a continued grip on power by the military, delaying democratic transition in Mali.

Colonel Assimi Goita, head of Mali's military junta, has promoted himself to the rank of army general, a title previously held by only two former heads of state.
The promotions were announced by the Council of Ministers and published on the Malian government’s general secretariat website.
Five other influential colonels in the junta were also exceptionally promoted to four-star generals.
Experts suggest that these promotions indicate the junta's intention to maintain control and delay a transition to civilian rule.
No date has been set for Mali's presidential election, further prolonging the military's rule.