Assimi Goïta is a Malian military officer and political figure who has played a central role in Mali's recent political developments. Born in 1983 in the town of N'Tillit in the Gao Region of Mali, Goïta pursued a military career that eventually led him to become a key figure in the Malian armed forces. He received training at the Kati Military School, one of Mali's leading military institutions, and later trained abroad, including in the United States, where he participated in military exercises and programs aimed at counterterrorism and military leadership.

Goïta first rose to prominence in August 2020, when he led a group of Malian soldiers in a coup d'état that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. The coup was precipitated by widespread public dissatisfaction with the government, particularly its handling of the insurgency in northern Mali and the deteriorating economic situation. Following the coup, Goïta assumed the role of Vice President in the transitional government that was established to lead Mali back to civilian rule. However, in May 2021, Goïta orchestrated another coup, this time removing the transitional president, Bah Ndaw, and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. Goïta accused them of failing to consult him on a cabinet reshuffle, which he claimed violated the terms of the transitional charter. After this second coup, Goïta declared himself President of the Transitional Government of Mali.

Under Goïta's leadership, the transitional government has faced significant challenges, including international condemnation and sanctions from organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. Despite these pressures, Goïta has remained in power, promising to lead the country toward elections and a return to civilian rule. His tenure has been marked by continued conflict in northern Mali, a complex relationship with international partners, and efforts to maintain stability within the country amid ongoing security threats.

Goïta's role in Malian politics is emblematic of the broader instability in the Sahel region, where military coups, insurgencies, and political crises have become increasingly common. His leadership style has been characterized by a mix of pragmatism and authoritarianism, as he navigates the delicate balance between military control and the need for international legitimacy.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assimi_Go%C3%AFta