Mali’s Prime Minister, Choguel Maiga, has been dismissed from his position, according to an announcement on state broadcaster ORTM.
Maiga, a civilian leader, had openly criticized the ruling military junta for failing to fulfill their promise to hold elections within the agreed 24-month transition period following two coups in 2020 and 2021. According to Reuters, the junta initially pledged to organize elections by February but later postponed them indefinitely, citing technical challenges.
Expressing his frustration, Maiga revealed that he learned about the junta’s decision through media channels. “It’s all happening in total secrecy, without the prime minister’s knowledge,” he said during a press briefing on Saturday. He also voiced concerns about the lack of consultation within the government regarding the delays.
Choguel Maiga, who once led the M5-RFP opposition coalition instrumental in protests against former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita before his removal, had previously been a staunch defender of the junta. Despite international criticism over military ties with Russian mercenaries and repeated election postponements, Maiga stood by the transitional authorities.
The junta, which seized power through successive coups in 2020 and 2021, faces growing scrutiny over its inability to meet transition deadlines. Under Malian law, Maiga’s replacement will be required to form a new government in consultation with interim President Assimi Goïta.
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