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 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.

Mali’s Prime Minister Choguel Maiga has been fired, state television ORTM said on Wednesday of the civilian who criticized the ruling junta’s failure to organize elections within a promised 24-month transition back to democracy.

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".

Mali's junta chief on Wednesday sacked civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the government, days after Maiga issued a rare criticism of the military rulers.

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.

Mali’s ruling junta has appointed a new prime minister from the ranks of the military generals, a day after firing his predecessor for criticizing the military regime.