Mali’s Prime Minister Choguel Maiga has been dismissed by the ruling junta, state television ORTM announced on Wednesday, following his criticism of the military government’s failure to organize elections within the agreed 24-month transition period.
The junta, which seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, had pledged to hold elections in February 2024 but postponed the vote indefinitely, citing technical issues.
Last week, Maiga revealed that he learned about the delay through media reports, alleging that the decision was made without his knowledge. “It’s all happening in total secrecy, without the prime minister’s knowledge,” Maiga told reporters on Saturday.
His comments escalated tensions with the junta, leading to the cancellation of a ministerial council meeting on Wednesday, a source close to Maiga told Reuters.
Maiga, who has been a staunch defender of the junta against international criticism of its ties to Russian Wagner mercenaries and election delays, was appointed prime minister in 2021. His removal highlights growing discord within Mali’s transitional government.
Under the law, interim President Assimi Goïta will oversee the appointment of Maiga’s successor, who will be tasked with forming a new government.
Before his tenure as prime minister, Maiga held cabinet positions under former Presidents Amadou Toumani Toure and Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and led the M5-RFP opposition coalition, which played a central role in protests that led to Keita’s ousting.
The developments mark another setback in Mali’s troubled transition back to democratic rule, as international pressure mounts for a clear timeline for elections.