Choguel Maïga has been dismissed as Mali’s Prime Minister. A presidential decree, announced on state television ORTM on Wednesday, November 20, by the Secretary General of the Presidency, also dissolved the Government. The decision followed Maïga’s critical remarks on November 16, where he accused the ruling military of sidelining him in decisions and unilaterally delaying elections meant to restore constitutional order.
After three and a half years in the regime, Maïga may struggle to reposition himself politically for future elections. His dismissal could lead to further challenges, as pro-junta groups recently accused him of “high treason” and “destabilization.” He now faces potential legal action or even preventive detention, which would limit his political activities. This mirrors the fate of other detained Malian political figures, whom Maïga himself did not support during his tenure.
Appointed in June 2021 after Mali’s second coup, Maïga initially criticized the military regime but later joined as Prime Minister following the ousting of President Bah N’Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. Despite gaining international attention with statements like his rebuke of France at the UN, Maïga wielded little real power, and his relationship with the military leadership—now generals—deteriorated over time. Tensions peaked earlier this year when one of his close allies was jailed for “undermining the credit of the state.”