Mali’s Prime Minister Choguel Maïga Dismissed After Criticizing Military Rulers
Mali’s Prime Minister, Choguel Kokalla Maïga, has been dismissed following his outspoken criticism of the country’s military rulers.
The Secretary General of the presidential office, Alfousseyni Diawara, confirmed the dismissal on Wednesday, stating that the duties of the prime minister and other government members have been terminated.
This development comes after Maïga voiced concerns over the junta’s delay in the transition process, which was initially set to begin on March 26.
Maïga made these remarks during a rally in Bamako, where he accused the military government of unilaterally and indefinitely postponing the planned transition to civilian rule. He expressed frustration over the lack of open discussion on the matter, adding that he had been forced to rely on media reports for updates on the situation. The prime minister also criticized the absence of a clear timeline after military leader Assimi Goïta’s initial promise to hold elections in February.
Goïta, who played a key role in both the 2020 coup and the subsequent 2021 coup, had initially outlined a 24-month transition plan starting in March 2022. However, the election schedule has since been delayed indefinitely, citing “technical reasons,” leaving the public without clarity on when the transition process will proceed. This delay has caused growing tension between the military leadership and government officials, particularly Maïga.
As of now, the government has not announced who will replace Maïga as prime minister, leaving the future of Mali’s political transition uncertain. The dismissal marks a significant shift in the country’s leadership, signaling potential shifts in Mali’s political landscape as the military junta grapples with mounting internal and external pressures.
