The ruling junta of Mali appointed its spokesman as the country’s new prime minister on Thursday, after his civilian predecessor was fired for criticizing the administration.

Mali’s junta leader has fired Prime Minister Choguel Maïga and the government, days after he criticized the military regime.

Mali's ruling junta on Thursday appointed its spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga, as prime minister a day after firing Choguel Maiga who had criticised the administration, state television ORTM reported. C

It follows rare criticism by Maïga of the junta's lack of clarity about a once-promised return to democracy. A decree read on state television by junta leader Col Assimi Goïta said the duties of the prime minister and the members of the government were "terminated".

BAMAKO (Reuters) - Mali's ruling junta on Thursday appointed spokesperson Abdoulaye Maiga as prime minister after firing Choguel Maiga, state television ORTM said on Thursday. Choguel Maiga recently criticised the junta's failure to organise elections within a promised 24-month transition back to democracy.