A major political event shook Mali on Wednesday, November 20, with the dismissal of Prime Minister Choguel Maïga. Announced by the Secretary General of the Presidency, Alfouseyni Diawara, this dismissal was made official through the reading of a decree signed by the President of the Transition, Gel Assimi Goïta.
The appointment of Choguel Maïga by the army in 2021, following the second coup d’état in a year in Mali, had raised hopes but also tensions. During the celebrations commemorating the reconquest of Kidal in November 2023, Prime Minister Maïga had publicly criticized the ruling junta. Dressed in military uniform despite his civilian status, Maïga expressed his frustration at his exclusion from key decision-making, particularly concerning the timetable for the country’s political transition.
The population’s reaction was not long in coming. Protesters in the capital and in many cities across the country have called for Choguel Maïga to resign. The Malian army’s section known as the Collectif de Défense Militaire (CDM) has accused the Prime Minister of “treason” and “denunciation” following his criticism of the ruling generals.
This turbulent political episode underscores the tensions and challenges facing Mali, reflecting the complex challenges of its democratic transition. Choguel Maïga’s resignation opens the door to further uncertainty about the country’s political direction.
The coming weeks promise to be decisive for Mali, as citizens and political actors eagerly await clarity on the future of the transition and possible changes to the country’s governance. This new stage comes in an already tense context, where political stability and legitimacy remain crucial issues for Mali’s future.