Mali’s Former Prime Minister Charged with Embezzlement Amidst Ongoing Military Rule
In a latest development in Mali’s tumultuous politics, former civilian prime minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga has been charged with embezzlement of public funds. Maïga’s lawyer, Cheick Oumar Konare, announced the charges on Tuesday, following a hearing before the country’s Supreme Court. The former prime minister has been remanded in custody, with no date set for his trial.
Mali has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021. Maïga served as the country’s civilian head of government from June 2021 until his dismissal in November 2024. His ousting came after he publicly criticized the junta in power, condemning the lack of clarity over when the military would relinquish control.
The junta leaders replaced Maïga with General Abdoulaye Maïga, a former government spokesperson. Choguel Kokalla Maïga’s arrest came just a week ago, along with eight of his former colleagues from his time as prime minister. While his former chief of staff has been released ahead of trial, judicial sources revealed that Maïga faces specific accusations of “damage to public property, forgery, and use of false documents.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Maïga’s lawyer reported that the former prime minister remains calm while awaiting trial in jail. “We believe in justice,” Konare said, expressing confidence in the country’s judicial system.
The charges against Maïga come on the heels of a recent crackdown by the junta, which carried out dozens of arrests within the army’s rank to thwart an alleged plot against the government. As the situation in Mali continues to unfold, the international community remains concerned about the country’s stability and the military’s grip on power.
With Maïga’s trial pending, many are watching the situation closely, seeking clarity on the charges against him and the future of Mali’s governance. As the country navigates this complex landscape, one thing is clear: the fate of Mali’s democracy hangs in the balance.
