Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and his government in a move that follows Maiga’s recent public criticism of the country’s military authorities. A decree issued by Goita announced the termination of the prime minister’s duties, as well as those of all government members. The decision was formally read by Alfousseyni Diawara, the presidency’s secretary general, on state-run ORTM television.
The dismissal came just days after Maiga addressed supporters of his M5-RFP movement, calling for an end to Mali’s extended transition period. Speaking to the crowd, Maiga expressed frustration over the indefinite delay of the country’s transition, which had originally been slated to conclude by March 26, 2024. He criticized the military for postponing the process unilaterally, without prior discussion within the government.
Since the military’s takeover in 2020 and 2021, Mali has been under military rule, with authorities vowing to return the country to civilian governance by March 2024. However, the military has since announced further delays to the scheduled elections.
Mali has struggled with significant political instability and security challenges since 2012, with escalating violence from armed groups, including separatists and extremists, further complicating the nation’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.
