Mali’s ruling junta on Thursday named Abdoulaye Maiga as the country’s new prime minister, a day after firing his predecessor Choguel Maiga for criticizing the military-led administration, state television ORTM reported. The leadership change underscores growing tensions within the transitional government as delays to promised elections fuel frustration and division.

Choguel Maiga, a civilian appointed by the junta in 2021, was dismissed after publicly condemning the military rulers’ failure to meet their 24-month transition timeline back to democracy. Over the weekend, he accused the junta of making decisions in secrecy, including the indefinite postponement of elections initially promised for February.

“It’s all happening in total secrecy, without the prime minister’s knowledge,” Choguel Maiga told reporters, claiming he learned of the election delay from the media. His criticism reportedly angered the ruling generals, who have cited technical challenges as the reason for the postponement.

The dismissal of Choguel Maiga highlights deepening cracks within Mali’s political elite, even among figures who initially supported the junta following successive coups in 2020 and 2021.

Abdoulaye Maiga, the junta’s spokesperson and now prime minister, is known for his strong rhetoric, particularly against former colonial power France. He has previously criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of adopting a “neocolonial” and “condescending” attitude towards Mali. Maiga will retain his existing role as minister of territorial administration while serving as prime minister.

In a statement broadcast on state television, junta leader Assimi Goita and Abdoulaye Maiga announced the new government lineup, confirming that all key cabinet ministers would retain their positions.

The junta’s repeated election delays and its controversial military ties with Russian mercenaries have drawn widespread condemnation from West African neighbors and international partners. Once a staunch defender of the junta, Choguel Maiga had regularly clashed with critics over these issues but now appears to have fallen out of favor as the political crisis deepens.

As the promised transition back to democracy remains uncertain, the latest developments raise further questions about the junta’s ability to unify the country and navigate growing domestic and international pressure.