Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali’s Minister of Labor and Civil Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. He later held positions as a regional prefect in areas including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. In 2012, he joined the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) during the Tuareg rebellion, contributing to the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.

“The political class has failed”

Since relocating to Mauritania in 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has officially joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). “We are in a period of crisis right now, and the country is unraveling at the seams,” he stated in an interview. “Malians must unite behind a shared vision for society where everyone belongs. The CFR has taken the initiative, and I believe all Malians should join to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.”

“The rise of rebellions and Islamist groups in Mali is a direct consequence of the political class’s failure,” he emphasized. “Malians deserve a political project that includes everyone.”

Hamma Ag Mahmoud addressed concerns about potential negotiations with jihadist groups like the Group for Supporters of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate. “If they are included in a shared project, I believe it will end the conflict,” he argued. “Restoring good governance in Mali would eliminate both jihadists and rebellions.”

Sharia and the Republic

In recent months, JNIM has adjusted its rhetoric to position itself as a political actor in Mali. While the group now claims to uphold “sovereignty” and defend local populations, its core objective remains unchanged: enforcing its interpretation of Sharia law. Can negotiations with such a group be conducted within a republican framework?

“Absolutely,” Hamma Ag Mahmoud responded. “Every principle of democracy—equality, justice—must be applied by involving all Malians.”