Mali's coup leader, Assimi Goita, has received support from a national conference of political stakeholders to become the president of the country for the next five years. This development comes amidst concerns about democratic governance in the region, which has seen a wave of coups in recent years.

The national conference, held in the capital city of Bamako, also called for the dissolution of existing political parties and stricter requirements for forming new ones. This move is seen as a bid to consolidate power and limit opposition to Goita's rule. The recommendations are expected to be implemented in the coming days, further entrenching the military's grip on power in Mali.

Mali has been under military rule since August 2020, following a series of coups that have swept West and Central Africa. The country's governance has been marked by instability, with the military repeatedly delaying elections and consolidating power. Goita, who led both coups in 2020 and 2021, has served as Mali's transitional president since 2021.

Despite international pressure, including from the United Nations Security Council, the Malian junta has failed to cede power to a civilian-led government. Instead, Goita has focused on tackling the enduring insurgency in northern and central regions, where jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have maintained a stronghold for over a decade.

The move to appoint Goita as president for five years has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in Mali. The country's political parties have been banned, and opposition leaders have been silenced or exiled. The international community has expressed concern about the situation, with the UN Security Council calling for a swift return to civilian rule.

The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional stability and security. The consolidation of power in the hands of the military could lead to further instability and conflict in the region. Moreover, the erosion of democratic norms in Mali could have a ripple effect on other countries in West and Central Africa, where democratic governance is already fragile.

In conclusion, the proposal to appoint Goita as president for five years marks a significant setback for democratic governance in Mali. The international community must continue to pressure the Malian junta to cede power to a civilian-led government and respect the democratic rights of the Malian people.