Mali’s Military Leader Dismisses Prime Minister Amidst Dispute Over Democratic Transition

Colonel Assimi Goïta, Mali’s military leader, has dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga and his cabinet. This action comes after Maïga’s unusual public critique regarding the junta’s insufficient transparency concerning the previously pledged transition to democratic governance. A decree broadcast on state television, delivered by Colonel Goïta, stated that the responsibilities of the prime minister and government members were “terminated”. Years of jihadist and separatist violence have plagued Mali, leading to military coups in both 2020 and 2021. The ruling junta had committed to conducting elections and restoring civilian authority by March 2024, but later deferred the electoral process. The relationship between the military president and the civilian prime minister had been deteriorating over an extended period. During an address to his supporters on Saturday, Maïga voiced criticism regarding the absence of transparency in the management of the transitional period. He stated, “The transition was supposed to end on 26 March, 2024, but it has been postponed indefinitely, unilaterally, without debate within the government.” He further remarked, “This is not normal in a government,” disclosing that, in his capacity as prime minister, he had not been apprised of the junta’s choice to delay the elections. Additionally, he highlighted the potential difficulties and dangers that the prevailing uncertainty regarding the transition might present for the nation. Before his removal, there were demands for Maïga’s resignation subsequent to his public expression of anger towards the military leadership. The Collective for the Defence of the Military, a pro-military organization, on Sunday called for him to step down within 72 hours, characterizing his strong criticism as an act of betrayal. Nevertheless, his dismissal was largely anticipated, given evidence of a growing division within the governing elite over several months. In June, Maïga publicly supported a document authored by one of his adherents, who had been detained the previous month for criticizing the military’s extended tenure in power. Maïga had been appointed prime minister in 2021 by the junta leader, subsequent to a second coup that overthrew transitional president Bah N’Daw. The 66-year-old individual had previously held ministerial positions multiple times and contested the presidency on three separate occasions. His exit from the government introduces additional uncertainty concerning the management of the transition and his personal future. Speculation suggests he could evolve into an opposition figure, potentially contesting the nation’s highest office against his former superior, once elections are eventually scheduled. His removal has elicited varied responses both domestically and regionally; some supporters advocate for his pursuit of the presidency, while others regard him as a traitor. The military leadership has appointed General Abdoulaye Maïga (no relation), a loyalist, as the new prime minister. He previously held this position temporarily in 2022, during the hospitalization of the now-dismissed Choguel Maïga. General Maïga was not part of the military officers who took power in 2020; however, he later joined their ranks and has since been considered a loyal supporter of General Goïta. The selection of a general for the prime ministerial role has sparked apprehension that the military is consolidating its control over the nation. The junta initially garnered public support when it assumed power three years prior. This occurred after widespread protests against former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, driven by grievances concerning corruption, economic instability, and insecurity. Despite this, the junta has faced difficulties in curbing jihadist violence, leading to increasing public discontent among a significant portion of the populace directed at the transitional government. Reporting contributed by Nicolas Negoce. For further news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Connect with us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.