♦ Mali’s ruling junta appointed its spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga as Prime Minister  of the country. He replaced Choguel Maiga. 

♦ Choguel Maiga had served as Prime Minister since his appointment by the junta in 2021, found himself ousted after making remarks that directly challenged the military rulers. 

♦ The appointment of Abdoulaye Maiga underscores the junta’s attempt to consolidate its power amidst rising dissent. 

♦ Mali’s military junta first seized power in 2020 through a coup and solidified its control with a second coup in 2021.