Mali’s military junta has strengthened its grip on power by appointing General Abdoulaye Maïga as the country’s new prime minister. The announcement, made on state television ORTM, follows the dismissal of civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga, who had raised concerns over the junta’s decision to delay the presidential elections originally scheduled for 2024.
Choguel Maïga’s removal was formalized through a presidential decree signed by interim leader General Assimi Goïta. The appointment of General Abdoulaye Maïga, a key figure within the junta, consolidates the military’s control over Mali’s transitional government, encompassing the executive, legislative, and now the prime ministerial office. Despite sharing the same surname, Choguel and Abdoulaye Maïga are not related.
The junta, which seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, has repeatedly delayed the country’s transition to civilian rule, citing security concerns. Analysts believe General Maïga’s close ties to General Goïta were instrumental in his selection. “The choice of General Maïga signals a more assertive military stance as the country approaches the prospect of elections next year,” said Ulf Laessing, director of the Sahel Program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
General Abdoulaye Maïga, 43, has served in multiple high-profile roles, including deputy prime minister, government spokesperson, and minister of territorial administration. Known for his fiery rhetoric, he has frequently criticized France and the now-disbanded United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA. At the United Nations General Assembly in September, he condemned Algerian diplomats who accused Malian military operations of causing civilian casualties near the Algeria-Mali border.
Since taking power, the junta has tightened restrictions on freedom of expression, with reports of over a dozen politicians and activists detained for opposing military rule. The appointment of General Maïga as prime minister underscores the junta’s firm hold on Mali’s governance as the country’s path to a promised return to civilian rule remains uncertain.
