Mali Former Prime Minister Faces Charges for Social Media Critique of Junta

Mali's military government has charged former Prime Minister Moussa Mara with undermining the state's credibility due to his critical stance on the junta, particularly after he expressed solidarity with prisoners of conscience.

A former prime minister of Mali, Moussa Mara, is facing serious allegations from the military-led government after speaking out on social media. Charged with undermining the credibility of the state, Mara's comments stem from his visit to detained opposition figures on July 4, when he took to the platform X to express solidarity with what he termed "prisoners of conscience." His tweet asserted that his ongoing visits were intended to ensure that "the flame of hope never fades in them" and included an assertion that "we will fight by all means" for their cause.

Mara, who served as prime minister for nine months a decade ago, has been a vocal critic of Mali's military regime, which has been in power following coups in 2020 and 2021. In a significant move, the junta dissolved all political parties in May amid escalating anti-government protests. On a recent occasion, Mara was detained and questioned by the national cybercrime unit regarding his July 4 post.

The prosecution alleges that Mara's statements about "prisoners of conscience" and his intent to fight for them violate legal statutes. In addition to charges of undermining the state’s credibility, he faces accusations of opposing legitimate authority and inciting public disorder. His trial is set for September 29.

Meanwhile, geopolitical dynamics in Mali have shifted dramatically, with military leader Gen. Assimi Goïta securing a five-year presidential term from the transitional parliament, a position that can be renewed without elections. Goïta, who came to power amid two coups, had initially pledged elections for the following year, a commitment that has since been abandoned, further complicating the restoration of multi-party governance in the nation.