Mali’s military junta has cemented its authority over the transitional government by appointing a military general as prime minister, completing its dominance of the presidency, National Transitional Council, and the prime minister’s office.
The announcement came Thursday, with Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga replacing Choguel Maïga, the civilian prime minister dismissed a day earlier after criticizing the junta’s decision to delay the presidential election initially planned for 2024. His removal was issued via a decree signed by junta leader Gen. Assimi Goïta and broadcast on state television, ORTM.
The military now controls all three arms of Mali’s transitional administration, further consolidating its hold on power since seizing control in a coup in 2020, followed by a second coup in 2021.
Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga, 43, has been a central figure within the junta, previously serving as minister of territorial administration, government spokesman, and deputy prime minister. His appointment underscores his close ties to Gen. Goïta, according to analysts.
“The choice of the new prime minister shows that the military is tightening its grip on power. General Maïga is seen as especially close to President Goïta, who wanted someone loyal as the country prepares for possible elections next year,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Mali.
Laessing added, “Choguel provoked his dismissal by positioning himself as a potential candidate in the elections.”
Though not directly involved in the 2020 coup, Gen. Maïga quickly rose to prominence within the junta and became a pivotal figure in the transitional government. He is well-known for his fiery rhetoric, particularly against France and MINUSMA, the now-departed U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali.
At the U.N. General Assembly in September, he openly criticized Algerian diplomats who accused Malian forces of killing civilians near the border with Algeria.
Since the military took power, it has tightened control over the country, suppressing dissent by restricting freedom of expression. More than a dozen activists and politicians have been detained for criticizing the junta.
Gen. Maïga’s appointment signals a clear shift toward increased militarization of the government, as Mali’s rulers prioritize loyalty and consolidate power while preparing for elections amid growing domestic and international scrutiny.
