Mali’s junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, on Wednesday announced the dismissal of Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and his government, just days after Maiga publicly criticized the military regime. A decree read on state television ORTM stated that the duties of both the prime minister and the government members had been terminated.
This move comes amid ongoing turmoil in Mali, which has been under military rule since the coups of 2020 and 2021. The country continues to grapple with jihadist violence and separatist unrest.
The junta had initially promised to transition back to civilian rule with elections scheduled for March 2024, but recently postponed these plans indefinitely. Maiga, appointed by the junta in 2021, had openly criticized the lack of clarity over the transition process, warning that it could lead to setbacks for the country.
Maiga’s removal has raised further concerns about the country’s future, as his position had already been weakened due to his limited influence under the junta’s control. Mali’s political and security crisis, which has been exacerbated by armed group attacks and separatist movements since 2012, remains unresolved.
