Mali’s military junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has removed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the entire government just days after Maiga publicly criticized the military leadership.

A decree from Goita announced the dismissal of Maiga and all government ministers, which was broadcast on state television by the presidency’s secretary general.

Since taking power in 2020 and 2021 through two consecutive coups, Mali has been under military rule, with the junta initially promising to restore civilian governance through elections by March 2024.

However, the elections have been postponed indefinitely, sparking growing frustration among the population.

Maiga, who was appointed by the military in 2021, had raised concerns about the unclear transition to civilian rule, warning that the lack of direction could severely hinder the country’s progress.

His comments were seen as a rare public critique of the junta, signaling his increasingly precarious position as prime minister.

Mali has faced ongoing political and security challenges since 2012, with jihadist groups, separatist factions, and other armed groups contributing to the country’s instability.

Maiga’s dismissal adds further uncertainty to the transition process and raises questions about the future of Mali’s path to stability.