Malians went to the polls on Sunday to pass judgement on the governing junta's constitution, which has fuelled speculation that the country's strongman ruler will seek election. For this reason the vote will not be held in some parts of the country, including in Kidal, the ex-rebels' stronghold in the north. - Chronic instability -The junta has advertised the new constitution as the answer to Mali's inability to tackle its multiple crises. Goita initially appointed an interim president, but kicked him out in a second coup in 2021 and stepped into the top job himself. "Through his political and verbal silence he has become a sort of icon, and is very popular," said political scientist Abdoul Sogodogo.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 18, 2023 12:14 UTC