Mali's PM fired after criticizing prolonged junta rule

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STORY: Mali's junta has fired the country's prime minister, Choguel Maiga, days after he criticized the military regime.

State TV said Wednesday the move came after Maiga disparaged the junta for failing to organize elections within a promised 24-month transition back to democracy

Mali's military leaders seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, and had promised to hold elections in February this year.

But those polls have been postponed indefinitely.

Maiga told reporters last week the postponement was unknown to him, and happened in total secrecy.

A source close to the former prime minister told Reuters his comments sparked tensions with the junta, and forced them to postpone a ministerial council meeting planned for Wednesday.

His successor will now have to form a new government in consultation with the interim President.

Maiga is a fervent defender of Mali's junta, even as West African neighbors and international allies

have criticized it for its cooperation with Russian mercenaries and repeated election delays.