Mali junta leader signs law that will make him president for life

The leader of the Malian junta, Colonel Assimi Kol Goyta, has signed a law that allows him to hold the presidency for five-year terms without elections.

According to the published document, Goita will be able to remain as head of state "until peace is established" in the country and extend his presidential term for another five years without limitation.

The law would allow a military government to rule the West African country until at least 2030, breaking a previous promise to return to civilian rule by March 2024.

Earlier this year, the junta dissolved all political parties and imposed strict rules against the formation of new political organizations, banning gatherings.