Choguel Maïga is no longer the Prime Minister of Mali. A presidential decree read Wednesday, November 20 evening on state television ORTM, by the secretary general of the presidency, puts an end to the functions of the Prime Minister and those of all members of the government. This dismissal seemed inevitable after the virulent remarks made on Saturday November 16 by the now ex-Prime Minister. He notably criticized the military in power for not involving him in decisions and for having unilaterally postponed the elections to mark the return to constitutional order.
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Choguel Maïga was appointed in June 2021, after the second military coup. The previous team – President Bah N’Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane – had tried to remove certain putschist colonels from the government, which had provoked this ” rectification of the Transition ”, according to the official euphemism.
Choguel Maïga, who until then denounced “ a disguised military regime », chooses to take his share of power and accesses the Prime Minister’s office. But despite certain resounding declarations, such as the famous “ abandonment in mid-flight » which targeted France at the United Nations – barely three months after his appointment – Choguel Maïga does not really exercise power.
His relations with the colonels, recently promoted to general, gradually deteriorated. For a year, the tension had increased a notch and in May, one of his close collaborators even denounced this ousting from power. This led to his being imprisoned and sentenced for “undermining the credit of the State”.
Choguel Maïga could be targeted by legal proceedings
Choguel Maïga, sackedshould continue its strategy and try to reposition itself by opposing, with a view to possible future elections. But it will be difficult for him to convince, after three and a half years in the service of the regime.
Choguel Maïga can also now fear the “Justice” of the Transition: in recent days, pro-junta organizations have accused him of “ high treason » and “ destabilization “. Choguel Maïga could in turn be targeted by legal proceedings, or even placed in preventive detention, which would prevent him from expressing himself and carrying out his political activities. Like many figures in Malian politics before him, still detained, and for whom Choguel Maïga never fought.