Malian Prime Minister Choguel Maïga Dismissed After Criticizing Military Junta

The announcement was made on the evening of November 20, 2024, during a broadcast on state television by Alfousseyni Diawara, the Secretary-General of the Presidency.

Maïga, who had been appointed as Prime Minister on June 7, 2021, had seen his relationship with the military rulers deteriorate significantly in recent months. His tenure, which initially sparked optimism, has been marked by criticisms of his leadership, particularly in handling the country’s security situation and economic challenges.

A Controversial Tenure

While Maïga’s government oversaw some notable developments, such as the recapture of Kidal from rebel forces, his time in office was also characterized by a series of failures. His administration struggled to improve basic services, including electricity provision, and failed to address the escalating insecurity despite military investments. In a meeting held on November 16, Maïga himself acknowledged the resurgence of the security crisis, highlighting the ongoing challenges in stabilizing the country.

The Prime Minister’s tenure was also marked by sharp political rhetoric and frequent attacks on Mali’s political opposition and parts of the international community, particularly France. His inflammatory speeches and divisive rhetoric contributed to significant tensions within the political class, with many political figures distancing themselves from his leadership. Maïga's approach to governance, often marked by populist tactics, further exacerbated national divisions.

A Populist and Divisive Leadership

Maïga, who led the M5-RFP movement—an insurgent coalition that helped bring about the coup in 2020—was criticized for fostering division rather than unity. His rhetoric created a dichotomy within the country, labeling those who supported his views as "patriots" and those who disagreed as "apatriots," fueling unnecessary tensions. This approach contradicted the president’s original mandate for him to unite the country.

Moreover, Maïga’s populist and sovereigntist policies led to significant economic challenges, including a decline in the purchasing power of Malians and the closure of several NGOs, along with the departure of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). His failure to offer viable alternatives left many Malians struggling with worsened living conditions.

The Military Junta’s Response

Despite being a staunch ally of the junta for over three years, Maïga's calls for a reassessment of the transition period were not well received by the ruling military. In his speech, Maïga urged the military leaders to address the issue of the transition’s timeline, calling for more clarity on when civilian rule would be restored. However, this public challenge to the junta’s authority ultimately led to his removal.

In his place, General Assimi Goïta, the head of the junta, has solidified his grip on power, further centralizing control. The transition government, now without Maïga at the helm, is expected to face continued scrutiny both domestically and internationally as Mali moves forward with its path to restore civilian governance.

End of an Era for Maïga

Maïga’s departure from office marks the end of a tumultuous period in Mali's transition. While his tenure was filled with political controversy and challenges, it also highlighted the struggles faced by Mali as it navigated its post-coup recovery. For many Malians, the dismissal of Maïga may signal the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s governance, though significant obstacles remain on the path to stability and peace.