Mali Military Government Names Abdoulaye Maiga As New Prime Minister

Mali Military Government Names Abdoulaye Maiga As New Prime MinisterMali’s military junta has appointed General Abdoulaye Maïga as the new prime minister, further consolidating its control over the country. This appointment follows the dismissal of civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga, who was removed after publicly criticizing the junta’s decision to delay the presidential election originally scheduled for 2024.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement of the dismissal of the civilian prime minister came on November 20, when a presidential decree issued by General Assimi Goïta, the military leader, was broadcast on state media, ORTM. On the following day, General Abdoulaye Maïga, a key figure in the junta, was appointed to lead the government. It was clarified by Alfouseyni Diawara, the secretary-general of the Malian presidency, that the two Maïgas are not related.

This shift in leadership is seen as a move to further strengthen the military’s grip on all three branches of Mali’s transitional government: the presidency, the National Transitional Council (the legislative body), and now the prime minister’s office. General Abdoulaye Maïga, 43, has served in several significant roles within the junta, including as the minister of territorial administration, government spokesperson, and deputy prime minister. His close ties to President Goïta are believed to have played a major role in his selection as the new prime minister.

Analysts view this appointment as a clear signal that the military is tightening its hold on power. “General Maïga is seen as particularly loyal to President Goïta, especially as the country prepares for potential elections next year,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Mali. Laessing also suggested that Choguel Maïga’s criticism of the junta and his potential candidacy in the upcoming election led to his ousting.

Although General Abdoulaye Maïga was not one of the five officers directly involved in the 2020 coup, he quickly rose to prominence within the junta and became an influential voice in the transitional government. Known for his fiery rhetoric, he has openly criticized France and the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in Mali, particularly targeting Algeria’s diplomats over accusations of civilian casualties in Mali’s border region.

Since taking power, Mali’s military leadership has clamped down on dissent, with numerous politicians and activists detained for opposing the junta’s rule. The junta’s recent moves are seen as part of an ongoing effort to suppress opposition and maintain its dominance ahead of the anticipated elections.

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