Mali: Abdoulaye Maïga Appointed Prime Minister, Consolidating Military Control
In an already turbulent political scenario, Mali has recently witnessed a new major development. Abdoulaye Maïga, a 43-year-old general in the ruling military junta, has been appointed Prime Minister. This appointment, following the dismissal of civilian Prime Minister Choguel Maïga, has led to a further tightening of military control over the country.
Recent events clearly demonstrate the preeminence of the military faction within the Malian government. Since the successive coups of 2020 and 2021, political power has been firmly anchored in the hands of the armed forces. Choguel Maïga’s dismissal comes after he openly criticized the junta for delays in organizing presidential elections, initially scheduled for 2024. His dismissal was formalized by a presidential decree signed by General Assimi Goïta, Mali’s military leader.
Abdoulaye Maïga’s ascension to the prime minister’s office consolidates the military’s hold on all branches of the transitional government. With the presidency, the National Transitional Council (acting as the legislative body), and the prime minister’s office now controlled by members of the military, the country appears to be moving in a direction of authoritarian governance.
General Abdoulaye Maïga has held various key positions within the junta, including Minister of Territorial Administration, Government Spokesperson, and Deputy Prime Minister. His close relationship with Assimi Goïta was instrumental in his appointment. Political observers say the choice reflects President Goïta’s desire to have a loyal ally at his side as the country prepares for potential elections as early as next year.
Although General Abdoulaye Maïga was not directly involved in the 2020 coup, his rapid rise within the junta has made him a leading figure in the political transition. Known for his incisive rhetoric, particularly toward France and the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA, he was also critical of Algerian diplomats at the UN General Assembly last September.
Since taking power, Mali’s military rulers have tightened their grip on the country by cracking down on dissent and severely restricting freedom of expression. Several politicians and activists have been arrested for openly criticizing the junta.
As Mali seeks to rebuild after years of political instability, the future of the transition to a democratically elected civilian government remains uncertainThe military’s growing control over power raises questions about the nature of democracy and governance in the West African country.