Abdoulaye Maiga, the spokesperson for Mali’s ruling junta, has been appointed as the new prime minister.
State television ORTM made the announcement on Thursday, following the dismissal of Choguel Maiga.
The junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup, has faced growing criticism over delays in its transition plan. The appointment of Abdoulaye Maiga signals the government’s continued efforts to reshape its leadership amid these challenges, Reuters reports.
The new prime minister is expected to address international and domestic concerns regarding the transition process.
Mali’s political future remains uncertain, with observers closely watching for signs of progress towards democratic governance.
SaharaReporters earlier reported on Thursday that Mali’s Prime Minister Maiga had been fired, according to information from state television ORTM.
Maiga had openly criticised the ruling junta for failing to hold elections within the promised 24-month transition period following the 2020 and 2021 coups.
The military rulers had initially pledged to organise elections in February but indefinitely postponed them citing technical reasons.
He noted that he found out about the junta’s decision from the media.
Maiga, a civilian leader, expressed frustration over the lack of discussion within the government regarding the election postponement.
“It’s all happening in total secrecy, without the prime minister’s knowledge,” Maiga told reporters on Saturday.
Maiga was also the leader of the M5-RFP opposition coalition that spearheaded protests against former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita before his overthrow.
The junta had promised to hold elections in February but postponed the vote indefinitely for technical reasons.
Before the most recent development, Maiga had fervently defended Mali’s junta even when West African neighbours and international allies criticised its military cooperation with Russian mercenaries and repeated election delays.
Under the law, Maiga’s successor would have to form a new government in consultation with interim President Assimi Goïta.
