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