Mali appoints government spokesman Abdoulaye Maiga as interim premier
Mali has named an interim prime minister to replace leader Choguel Maiga, who has been hospitalised, according to media sources.
Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, the current government spokesman and minister of territory administration, has been named the next acting prime minister, according to a government announcement.
Choguel Maiga had a stroke, according to those close to him, according to the Paris-based Jeune Afrique magazine earlier this month.
When contacted by Reuters, one of Choguel Maiga's aides refuted this, and his office stated that he would resume his duties the following week. He did not do so.
Mali is governed by a military junta that took power in a coup in 2020 and has vowed to hold democratic elections in 2024.
Choguel Maiga had been one of the governemt’s most outspoken voices in repeated public rows with West African neighbours and international allies who criticised its military cooperation with Russian mercenaries and repeated election delays.
Abdoulaye Maiga has also made strong public statements as government spokesman against former colonial ruler France, including telling French President Emmanual Macron in July to abandon his “neocolonial” and “condescending” attitude.