Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has dismissed civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the entire government, escalating tensions over the country’s delayed transition to civilian rule.
A decree issued by Goita announced the termination of Maiga’s duties and those of his government ministers. The announcement, made on state television by the secretary general of the presidency, follows public criticism from Maiga regarding the military’s handling of the transition process.
Mali has been under military rule since two successive coups in 2020 and 2021. Initially, the junta pledged to hold elections by March 2024 to restore civilian governance. However, these elections have been postponed indefinitely, causing growing frustration among citizens and political observers.
Appointed by the junta in 2021, Maiga recently expressed concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the transition timeline, warning that the uncertainty could hinder Mali’s progress. His comments were viewed as a rare critique of the military leadership, signaling his increasingly precarious position.
Mali remains embroiled in political and security crises, with ongoing violence from jihadist groups, separatist movements, and armed factions compounding the challenges facing the nation. The dismissal of Maiga and his government raises fresh questions about the junta’s commitment to a democratic transition and the country’s prospects for stability.
