Hopes after the coup d’état of August 18, 2020 are high, but the challenges are even greater: armed conflicts in the north and the centre and pressure for an inclusive process of domestic political reform. In order to initiate the necessary changes and meet the high expectations, the transitional government around President Bah N’Daou and Vice-President Assimi Goïta (one of the putschists from the Comité national pour le salut du peuple, CNSP) needs time and above all the will to tackle reforms. However, despite a civilian president, the planned transition period of 18 months will have a clearly military character, because the putschists and other military personnel occupy the key ministries. For international actors, the coup must be seen as a wake-up call to rethink their engagement in Mali. It has become clear that focusing solely on security policy is not successful when it comes to sustainable stabilisation of the country. Now it is time for them to rethink their strategies and find more comprehensive approaches. Coordination between the partners and with Mali is just as important here as clear strategies. Mali is at a crossroads.