(Ecofin Agency) - Mali has been ruled since 2021 by Colonel Assimi Goïta, who took over following a military coup. Following a national dialog in May, authorities extended the transition period, which prompted a reaction from the exiled opposition.

Opponents exiled in Europe after Colonel Goïta’s takeover in Mali have announced the creation of a transitional government outside the country.

According to several media sources, this new government, elected by a "Citizens' Assembly for Civil Transition," consists of seven members and is led by magistrate Mohamed Chérif Koné, the Prime Minister.

Koné, a former senior attorney general at Mali’s Supreme Court who was dismissed for opposing the military government, has formed a team that includes a deputy minister and officials for Foreign Affairs, Interior and Justice, Finance, Economy, and Social Development.

Though this initiative currently lacks any legal standing with Malian military authorities and their partners, it represents a significant rejection of Mali’s current political situation by many opponents.

Mali has been under the leadership of Colonel Goïta since 2021, following his coup. After indefinitely postponing elections initially scheduled for February 2024, authorities announced an extension of the transition period following a dialog in May.

This decision came in a context where political party activities and their media coverage have been suspended.

“Our primary goal is to mobilize Malians residing inside the country,” said Professor Aboubacrine Assadek, Finance Minister of the exiled government, as quoted by RFI. “Since we launched our initiative, the voices of opponents are being heard despite the suspension of political activities. Nothing will be the same again,” he added.