Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has dismissed civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the entire government.
This came days after Maiga openly criticised the junta for failing to clarify plans for returning the country to civilian rule.
A decree issued by Colonel Goita on Wednesday was read on state television, ORTM. It stated, “The duties of the prime minister and the members of the government are terminated.”
Mali has been under military control since two coups in 2020 and 2021. The junta had initially promised to hold elections and restore civilian rule by March 2024 but later postponed the elections indefinitely, sparking concerns about the transition process.
Maiga, who was appointed prime minister in 2021 after the second coup, publicly condemned the lack of clarity over the transition on Saturday. He warned that the uncertainty could lead to “serious challenges and the risk of going backwards.”
This criticism reportedly deepened tensions between Maiga and the ruling military. Observers noted signs of a rift for months. In June, Maiga supported a document critical of the junta, which was written by a detained ally of his.
Maiga, 66, previously served as a minister and ran three times for president before his appointment as prime minister.
His dismissal adds to the uncertainty in Mali, which has faced political instability and violence from jihadist and separatist groups since 2012.
