Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and his government after Maiga criticized the junta’s lack of transparency regarding the transition to democracy. The junta’s previously promised return to civilian rule by March 2024 has been postponed, generating significant political turmoil. Maiga’s statements and his dismissal may reshape the political landscape in Mali as tensions between military leaders and civilian politicians escalate.
In a significant development, Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga along with his government. This decision follows Maiga’s rare criticism of the junta regarding the opaque nature of the promised transition back to democracy. Goita announced the termination of their duties through a decree broadcast on state television.
Mali has faced years of jihadist violence and separatist conflict, leading to military coups in both 2020 and 2021. The junta had vowed to return power to civilians and hold elections by March 2024, a promise that has since been postponed, raising concerns about the political stability of the nation. The relationship between Goita and Maiga had been deteriorating, culminating in tensions regarding the government’s approach to the country’s transition.
During a speech to supporters, Maiga expressed his concerns about the indefinite postponement of the elections, stating, “The transition was supposed to end on 26 March, 2024, but it has been postponed indefinitely, unilaterally, without debate within the government.” He emphasized the risks associated with the confusion surrounding the political transition. Prior to his dismissal, calls for Maiga’s resignation from pro-military factions had been increasing, portraying his remarks as a betrayal.
This separation had been anticipated due to ongoing rifts within the ruling coalition. In previous months, Maiga had supported a document from a detained critic of the military, creating further conflict. Appointed in 2021 after a coup, Maiga, who is 66 years old, has extensive experience in governmental roles and has previously run for the presidency.
The fate of the political transition remains uncertain following Maiga’s exit, spurring speculation that he may become an opposition figure challenging Goita in future elections. Local reactions to his dismissal have been mixed, with some supporters encouraging him to vie for the presidency while others label him a traitor. The junta originally garnered popular support following a military takeover attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta due to issues such as corruption and insecurity, but public anger is now directed towards the transitional government due to its failure to effectively combat jihadist violence.
The dismissal of Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga by Mali’s military junta chief underscores ongoing political tensions and uncertainty in Mali. The junta’s failure to adhere to democratic transition promises, combined with internal disagreements, raises significant questions about the country’s future governance. Public sentiment is divided, reflecting both hopes for a return to civil leadership and frustrations over ongoing instability. The evolving political landscape may witness Maiga potentially emerging as an opposition figure in the coming future.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
