A close ally of Mali’s civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga was detained on Monday following criticism of the country’s military rulers.
The M5-RFP movement, on Friday, issued a strong statement condemning the colonels who took power in 2020.
These military leaders have extended their rule by failing to meet a March deadline for elections and a transfer of power to a civilian government.
Boubacar Traore, who signed the statement, was confirmed detained by two sources. An entourage member reported that intelligence agents took Traore from his office in the prime minister’s services building.
The M5-RFP’s statement marked a significant rupture between the colonels and the prime minister, whom they appointed in 2021.
The statement opposed the junta’s proposals to promote themselves to generals and initiate talks with armed insurgents, which emerged from recent national consultations.
The proposals, including extending military rule for several more years, were described by the M5-RFP as offensive to public opinion.
Prime Minister Maiga has not commented, and there is speculation that he may be replaced due to his increasingly isolated position.
Since a second coup in 2021, the colonels have maintained firm control, without setting a new date to transfer power.
Maiga has indicated that elections will only occur once the security situation stabilizes. In April, the military suspended all political party activities and suppressed opposition, journalists, and human rights activists.
Mali has faced a political and security crisis since 2012, exacerbated by insurgent attacks and a separatist movement in the north.
