Mali’s junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga following his public criticism of the junta’s lack of transparency regarding the transition to democracy. Maiga’s departure raises concerns about the future of governance as Mali faces ongoing violence and political unrest.
Mali’s military chief, Colonel Assimi Goita, has dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and his government. This decision followed Maiga’s rare public criticism regarding the junta’s failure to provide a clear timeline for the promised return to democracy. A decree read on state television announced that the responsibilities of the Prime Minister and his cabinet had been “terminated.”
The backdrop to this political change is Mali’s persistent struggles with jihadist and separatist violence, leading to military coups in 2020 and 2021. The junta had previously pledged to conduct elections and restore civilian rule by March 2024; however, this timeline has now been indefinitely postponed. Tensions had been escalating between the military leadership and Maiga for some time.
During a speech to his supporters, Maiga highlighted the lack of transparency in governance, stating, “The transition was supposed to end on 26 March, 2024, but it has been postponed indefinitely, unilaterally, without debate within the government.” He expressed that as Prime Minister, he was not made aware of the junta’s decision to delay elections, and he cautioned about the risks posed by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the political transition.
Prior to his ousting, calls for Maiga’s resignation had emerged, particularly from pro-military factions, who viewed his criticisms as a betrayal. Following his dismissal, some speculate about his potential transition to an opposition role, possibly positioning him to challenge the junta’s authority in future elections. Maiga was appointed Prime Minister by Goita subsequent to the coup against transitional President Bah N’Daw in 2021, and he has a history of ministerial roles and presidential candidacies.
The reactions to Maiga’s dismissal have been mixed, with some supporters encouraging him to pursue the presidency, while others label him a traitor. While the junta, which gained support during mass protests against prior President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta’s regime, struggles to manage the ongoing jihadist violence, dissatisfaction with the transitional government is growing among the populace.
The dismissal of Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga by junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita marks a significant shift in Mali’s transitional government amid ongoing political tension. Maiga’s criticism of the junta’s transparency and the postponement of promised elections contributed to his ousting, which raises questions about the future of governance in Mali. As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how this political change will affect election timelines and public sentiment towards the military leadership.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
