(FILES) Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Government Spokesman of Mali, looks on during the meeting of ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), in Ouagadougou on February 15, 2024. - Mali's junta on November 21, 2024 named military officer General Abdoulaye Maiga as the new prime minister, after sacking civilian PM Choguel Kokalla Maiga a day earlier following his criticism of the military leaders. (Photo by FANNY NOARO-KABRÉ / AFP)
The Mali junta has appointed military officer Major General Abdoulaye Maiga as the new prime minister, just a day after the removal of civilian premier Choguel Kokalla Maiga due to his criticisms of the military leadership.
Previously serving as the government’s spokesman, Abdoulaye Maiga’s promotion further solidifies the military’s control over the West African nation, which has experienced ongoing jihadist and separatist violence since coups in 2020 and 2021.
A decree from junta leader General Assimi Goïta announced the appointment on state television.
Despite a promise to hold elections by March 2024, the junta has postponed the transition to civilian rule indefinitely.
