Bamako, Mali – The conviction of Mali’s former Prime Minister, Moussa Mara, on appeal has drawn condemnation from Amnesty International, which described the sentencing as a “travesty of justice” and a further indication of a widening crackdown on dissent within the West African nation.
Mara, leader of the opposition Yéléma party, was initially arrested on , and charged with ‘discrediting the state’, ‘inciting to disturb public order’ and ‘opposition to legitimate authority’. The charges stem from a post he shared on X (formerly Twitter) on , expressing solidarity with detained political and civil society figures he had recently visited in prison.
“Moussa Mara’s case is emblematic of the authorities’ constant attacks against the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and persistent disregard for the rule of law and human rights obligations under Malian constitution, and international human rights treaties to which the country is a state party,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
The appeal upheld the original sentence of two years imprisonment, with one year mandatory, and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (approximately 762 euros), including a symbolic one franc to the Malian state. Amnesty International is calling for Mara’s immediate release, along with the release of other individuals it believes are being held solely for exercising their human rights.
This case is not isolated. Amnesty International has documented a growing trend of arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances in Mali, targeting journalists, politicians, and activists perceived as critical of the current military-led government. The organization points to several other cases as evidence of this escalating repression.
Activist Rokiatou Doumbia, known as “Rose Vie Chère” or “Tantie Rose”, and radio broadcaster Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, known as “Ras Bath”, remain arbitrarily detained despite having already served their sentences. Both were charged with ‘discrediting the state’ and ‘criminal conspiracy’ following their arrests in .
Adama Diarra, a member of the National Transitional Council known as “Ben le Cerveau”, was arrested in after calling for a return to civilian constitutional rule. He was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of ‘discrediting the state’ and remains in detention.
Clément Dembélé, an anti-corruption activist, was arrested in accused of making death threats against the head of state, Assimi Goïta, and his family. Despite an investigative judge recommending his release, he remains arbitrarily detained.
Issa Kaou N’Djim, a former member of the National Transitional Council, was convicted in and sentenced to two years in prison for ‘public offense to a foreign head of state’ after questioning a statement made by authorities in Burkina Faso. He was released after serving one year of his sentence.
“Mara’s persecution is part of a wider trend of repression by the Malian authorities, including by weaponizing the justice system to target their critics. Instead of muzzling peaceful dissent, the authorities must uphold the rule of law and ensure the human rights of everyone in the country,” Sivieude stated.
The context of these arrests and convictions is rooted in the political instability that has gripped Mali since , when the military seized power. The initial 18-month transition period has been repeatedly extended. In , the government announced the dissolution of all political parties and a further extension of the transition to another five-year period, raising concerns about the future of democratic governance in the country.
Mara’s initial tweet, shared on , expressed “unwavering solidarity” with the detained activists and politicians he had visited. He vowed to fight “by all means to make [the sun appear]”, a metaphorical reference to ending what he described as the “night” of repression.
Requests for Mara’s provisional release were consistently rejected throughout the investigation. He was initially convicted in .
The ongoing crackdown raises serious questions about the commitment of Mali’s military-led authorities to upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms, and signals a deepening authoritarian trend within the country. The international community is watching closely to see whether the government will reverse course and allow for a genuine transition to democratic rule.
