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.

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 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.