Mali's PM Choguel Maïga was dismissed after criticizing the junta, sparking protests and accusations of treason.

Mali's military leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, has dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga and his government following rare public criticism from the civilian leader.

A decree announcing the dismissal stated, "The duties of the prime minister and the members of the government are terminated." It was read on state television, ORTM, by the presidency’s secretary-general, Alfousseyni Diawara.

Maïga had called on the military leadership to engage in discussions about ending Mali’s prolonged transition period. During a speech to supporters of his M5-RFP movement last Saturday, he criticized the military for unilaterally extending the transition beyond the original deadline of March 26, 2024, without consulting the government.

The country has been under military rule since two coups in 2020 and 2021. Although the military had promised in June 2022 to hold elections and transfer power back to civilians by March 2024, those plans have since been postponed indefinitely.

Mali has faced ongoing political and security crises since 2012, exacerbated by attacks from armed groups, including terrorist organizations and separatist movements.