Bamako, Nov 21 (V7N)– Mali's ruling junta has dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and his cabinet, further deepening the political uncertainty in the West African nation. The military rulers dissolved the government on Wednesday, November 20, amidst growing tensions over postponed elections and internal disagreements.

Maiga, appointed as prime minister in 2021 after the military coup, had been a key civilian figure in the transitional government. The junta had initially pledged to hold elections in February 2024 but recently postponed the vote indefinitely, citing technical issues.

In a statement last week, Maiga criticized the lack of transparency within the government, claiming he was unaware of the junta’s decision to delay the elections. "Everything is happening in complete secrecy without the prime minister's knowledge," he said, adding that he learned about the postponement through media reports.

As per Mali’s interim constitutional framework, a new prime minister must now be appointed in consultation with interim President Assimi Goïta, who led the 2021 coup. The successor will be tasked with forming a new cabinet to steer the country through its turbulent transition.

Choguel Kokalla Maiga, a seasoned politician, previously served as Minister of Trade under President Amadou Toumani Touré and as Minister of Digital Economy under President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. His tenure as prime minister under the junta was marked by efforts to maintain a civilian presence in a government increasingly dominated by the military.

The removal of Maiga and his cabinet signals growing divisions within Mali’s leadership, raising questions about the junta's commitment to a democratic transition. The international community is closely monitoring the developments as Mali navigates its prolonged political crisis.

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