Mali's Prime Minister Choguel Maiga has been dismissed from his position, as announced by state television ORTM. The decision comes in the midst of a dispute over the ruling junta's failure to conduct elections within the promised 24-month transition period back to democracy.
The military rulers, who took control through coups in 2020 and 2021, had initially pledged to hold elections in February. However, the vote was postponed indefinitely citing technical issues.
Prime Minister Maiga publicly criticized the lack of government discussion regarding the election postponement, revealing that he learned about the junta's decision through the media. His remarks led to tensions with the junta, resulting in the postponement of a ministerial council meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
Maiga had been a staunch supporter of Mali's junta, despite international criticism over military ties with Russian mercenaries and repeated election delays. Per the law, Maiga's successor will need to form a new government in consultation with interim President Assimi Goïta.
Prior to his role as prime minister, Maiga held positions as Mali's commerce minister under former President Amadou Toumani Toure and as digital economy minister under former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. He also led the M5-RFP opposition coalition that played a key role in protests against Keita before his ousting.
