Mali's Prime Minister Choguel Maiga has been dismissed by the ruling junta after he publicly criticized their prolonged military rule. State television ORTM reported that Maiga, who had been a vocal critic of the junta's failure to organize elections within the promised 24-month transition back to democracy, was removed from his position.
The military leaders, who seized power in coups during 2020 and 2021, had initially pledged to hold elections by March 2024 but postponed them indefinitely, citing technical reasons.
Maiga, who had served as a civilian face for the junta since his appointment following the second coup, began distancing himself from the military rulers in recent months.
His criticism included concerns over the lack of transparency and debate regarding the election delays, which he claimed to have learned about through media reports rather than official channels. This public dissent led to tensions with the junta, culminating in his dismissal.
Before becoming prime minister, Maiga held various governmental roles, including commerce minister under former President Amadou Toumani Toure and digital economy minister under former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
He was also a leader of the M5-RFP opposition coalition, which played a significant role in protests against Keita before his overthrow. Following Maiga's dismissal, interim President Assimi Goïta is expected to appoint a successor who will form a new government in consultation with him.
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