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Ex-Malian prime minister arrested Amid Junta’s political purge
The former civilian prime minister of Mali, Choguel Kokalla Maïga, who was removed from office in November 2024 by the ruling military junta, has been placed in custody following a wave of arrests targeting army members accused of plotting against the authorities.
In recent days, around 50 soldiers, including two generals, have been detained by the junta, which has ruled the West African nation since two successive coups in 2020 and 2021.
Appointed prime minister in 2021 by junta leader General Assimi Goïta, Maïga was dismissed after openly criticizing the military leadership for sidelining him from decision-making and for extending their hold on power beyond the initially promised transition to civilian rule in March 2024. He was replaced by General Abdoulaye Maïga, reinforcing the full militarization of the executive branch.
According to Mali’s economic and financial crimes court, Maïga and several former collaborators are being investigated for alleged mismanagement during his tenure. The investigation stems from a report by the state’s Auditor General alleging misuse of public property.
Among those in custody are his former chief of staff Issiaka Ahmadou Singaré and three former administrative and financial directors of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Maïga, a prominent figure in the June 5 Movement (M5-RFP) that played a key role in ousting President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in 2020, has recently voiced strong opposition to the junta, condemning arbitrary arrests and calling for credible elections.
The political tensions come as Mali continues to face a decade-long security crisis driven by jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as community-based armed groups, alongside a deep economic downturn.