The Mali junta on Thursday appointed army officer Main Basic Abdoulaye Maiga as the brand new prime minister, a day after sacking civilian premier Choguel Kokalla Maiga following his criticism of the army management.
Abdoulaye Maiga beforehand served as the federal government’s spokesman.
The West African nation, beset by jihadist and separatist violence, has been below army rule since successive coups in 2020 and 2021.
“Main Basic Abdoulaye Maiga is appointed prime minister,” learn a decree issued by junta chief Basic Assimi Goïta and introduced by the presidency’s secretary-general on the state tv station ORTM.
Though Abdoulaye Maiga was not a part of the preliminary group of colonels who overthrew the civilian president in August 2020, he shortly aligned himself with them and has since been promoted to normal.
His appointment to exchange the civilian prime minister seems to strengthen the army’s grip on energy.
On Saturday, Choguel Kokalla Maiga publicly criticised the dearth of transparency relating to the transition to civilian rule.
In June 2022, the junta pledged to carry elections and switch energy to a civilian authorities by the tip of March 2024. Nevertheless, elections have since been postponed indefinitely.
AFP
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