Mali’s Junta implements partial government reshuffle

Mali’s junta has executed a partial reshuffle of the government. The reshuffling occurred on Saturday, just one day after the junta declared the conclusion of the United Nations peace mission in the country. The referendum, which took place eight days prior, saw a majority of Malians supporting the proposed constitution.
While certain key positions remain unchanged, the government has undergone significant reshuffling with the appointment of 16 individuals, including 13 ministers and three swaps. Notably, a representative from the Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad, the primary alliance of former rebels in the northern region, has decided to step down from the government. The departure comes at a time of heightened tensions between the junta and the alliance.
Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, a military officer, has joined the government as a new member and will serve in the Ministry of Health and Social Development. This appointment further emphasizes the influence of the military within the governing body.
The draft Constitution received overwhelming support from Malians, with 97% of votes in favor. However, the plebiscite was marred by challenges in several central and northern areas due to fear of jihadist attacks or political disagreements. Critics of the draft argue that it has been tailored to prolong the junta’s stay in power beyond the scheduled presidential elections in February 2024, contradicting their initial commitments.
The referendum marked the first electoral event since the military seized control of Mali through a coup d’état in August 2020. Since then, the junta has governed largely unopposed in a country grappling with jihadist threats, as well as security, political, and economic crises.
One of the contentious provisions of the Constitutional reform is the inclusion of an amnesty for individuals involved in previous coup d’état incidents, raising speculations about the potential presidential candidacy of Colonel Assimi Goïta.