Mali’s ruling junta on Thursday appointed a military general as the country’s new prime minister, a day after dismissing the civilian premier who had openly criticized the regime.
This move further solidifies military control over the West African nation, which has been under junta rule since a 2020 coup, followed by another in 2021.
Former civilian Prime Minister Choguel Maïga was removed from office on Wednesday after accusing the junta of delaying presidential elections originally planned for 2024. His dismissal was announced via a decree signed by military leader Gen. Assimi Goïta and broadcast on state television.
On Thursday, Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga, 43, was named as Choguel Maïga’s successor. Known for his loyalty to Goïta, Gen. Maïga has previously served as minister of territorial administration, government spokesperson, and deputy prime minister.
Analysts view his appointment as a strategic move to ensure the junta’s continued dominance as the country approaches potential elections.
“The military is tightening its grip on power. General Maïga’s appointment underscores his close ties to President Goïta, who wanted a trusted ally in this critical role,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Mali. Laessing noted that Choguel Maïga may have invited his dismissal by signaling his interest in running for office.
Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga, though not directly involved in the 2020 coup, has become a prominent figure within the junta. He is known for his hardline rhetoric, particularly against France and the now-defunct U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA.
In September, he drew international attention with sharp criticism of Algerian diplomats accusing the Malian army of civilian killings near the Algerian border.
Under junta rule, Mali’s transitional government — comprising the presidency, the legislative council, and now the prime minister’s office — is entirely under military control.
The regime has also intensified crackdowns on dissent, restricting freedom of expression and detaining politicians and activists critical of its rule.
Mali’s ruling junta on Thursday appointed a military general as the country’s new prime minister, a day after dismissing the civilian premier who had openly criticized the regime.
This move further solidifies military control over the West African nation, which has been under junta rule since a 2020 coup, followed by another in 2021.
Former civilian Prime Minister Choguel Maïga was removed from office on Wednesday after accusing the junta of delaying presidential elections originally planned for 2024. His dismissal was announced via a decree signed by military leader Gen. Assimi Goïta and broadcast on state television.
On Thursday, Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga, 43, was named as Choguel Maïga’s successor. Known for his loyalty to Goïta, Gen. Maïga has previously served as minister of territorial administration, government spokesperson, and deputy prime minister.
Analysts view his appointment as a strategic move to ensure the junta’s continued dominance as the country approaches potential elections.
“The military is tightening its grip on power. General Maïga’s appointment underscores his close ties to President Goïta, who wanted a trusted ally in this critical role,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Mali. Laessing noted that Choguel Maïga may have invited his dismissal by signaling his interest in running for office.
Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga, though not directly involved in the 2020 coup, has become a prominent figure within the junta. He is known for his hardline rhetoric, particularly against France and the now-defunct U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA.
In September, he drew international attention with sharp criticism of Algerian diplomats accusing the Malian army of civilian killings near the Algerian border.
Under junta rule, Mali’s transitional government — comprising the presidency, the legislative council, and now the prime minister’s office — is entirely under military control.
The regime has also intensified crackdowns on dissent, restricting freedom of expression and detaining politicians and activists critical of its rule.
