A minister from Mali's military government has said his junta wishes to hold transitional elections "as soon as possible", according to the state-owned news site L’Essor.

Col Abdoulaye Maiga said the latest challenge to the electoral process is the resumption of hostilities with former northern separatist groups, but assured the public that the government was working to ensure stability.

He also addressed the junta postponement of elections last September.

“Whether we like it or not, and whatever the arguments for or against, today Kidal [a stronghold recovered by the army last year] is the result of the extension.

"These are realities that must be taken into account,” Col Maiga said.

The junta, led by Col Assimi Goïta, seized power in May 2021.

Coup leaders has been under pressure to announce the dates for fresh transitional elections after the "slight postponement" that put of the initial polls that had been set for February 2024.

The junta cited "technical" reasons linked to the adoption of a new constitution and the revision of the voters’ register by the electoral agency.