MALI’S ruling junta has appointed its spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga, as the new prime minister, replacing Choguel Maiga, who was dismissed following his criticism of the military government. The announcement, made on Thursday via state broadcaster ORTM, underscores growing divisions within the administration as frustrations mount over postponed elections and delayed democratic transition.
Choguel Maiga, a civilian leader appointed prime minister by the junta in 2021, publicly condemned the military government last weekend for failing to meet its promise of holding elections within a 24-month transition period. ‘It’s all happening in total secrecy, without the prime minister’s knowledge,’ he remarked, revealing that decisions about the delays had been made without consultation.
These criticisms reportedly infuriated the ruling generals, who seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021. A source close to Maiga told Reuters that his remarks strained relations within the government, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
The junta had initially committed to organising elections by February 2024, but the timeline has since been indefinitely postponed, citing technical challenges. Observers, however, interpret the delay as a signal of waning commitment to democratic transition.
This development comes amid growing disenchantment among Malian politicians, including those who initially supported the coup. Choguel Maiga, once a staunch defender of the junta, had frequently countered criticism from regional bodies like ECOWAS and international partners, particularly regarding the junta’s alignment with Russian mercenaries.
However, as the wait for elections drags on, the dismissal of yet another civilian figure points to the junta’s increasingly centralised decision-making and its faltering alliances with domestic political actors.
Abdoulaye Maiga, the newly appointed prime minister, is a trusted figure within the junta. Before assuming this role, he served as minister of territorial administration and made headlines as a vocal critic of France, Mali’s former colonial ruler. Maiga has repeatedly accused French President Emmanuel Macron of adopting a ‘neocolonial’ and ‘condescending’ stance towards Mali.
His appointment signals a continuation of the junta’s hardline rhetoric and its pivot away from traditional Western alliances. By elevating a loyal spokesperson to prime minister, the junta appears intent on consolidating power while deflecting growing criticism at home and abroad.
The dismissal of Choguel Maiga highlights deeper cracks within Mali’s transitional government. Initially heralded by some as a potential stabiliser after years of insecurity and political unrest, the junta’s repeated delays and secretive governance have alienated even its supporters.
Mali now faces an uncertain future, as the promise of elections fades into ambiguity. Analysts warn that without clear progress towards democratic governance, the junta risks further isolation and instability.
While Abdoulaye Maiga’s appointment is expected to reinforce the junta’s narrative, whether it will help address the growing frustrations of Malian citizens and politicians remains unclear.
