Mali’s interim prime minister, Chogel Maiga, met with interim president Assimi Goita on Friday after more than three months of forced medical leave, the presidency said.

The doctor ordered Maig to rest in August after several months of intense work.

The Paris magazine Jeune Afrique reported at the time that Maigo had suffered a stroke, citing sources close to him. But Maiga’s adviser, contacted by Reuters, denied this.

Maiga has been one of the government’s most outspoken voices in repeated public spats with its West African neighbors and international allies, who have criticized its military cooperation with Russian mercenaries and repeated delays in elections.

He was temporarily replaced by Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, Government Spokesman and Minister of Territorial Administration.

“After a medical retreat of several months…Colonel Asimi Goita, Head of State, received Dr. Choguel Kokala Maiga…this Friday,” the presidency said on Twitter.

The tweet was accompanied by pictures of Maiga, dressed in a traditional robe, smiling and talking to Goyt.

“I came to say hello and thank you [Goita], to tell him that I am fine and that I can resume work. In a few days, he will give me permission,” Maiga told reporters after the meeting.

Mali is ruled by a military junta that took power in a coup in August 2020 and has promised to hold elections in 2024.

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