The sentencing of former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara to two years in prison, including one year of firm detention, has been denounced by Amnesty International as a sham. Along with a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (762 euros) and a symbolic franc to the Malian State, the court convicted him of undermining the credit of the State, leading to urgent calls for his immediate release and an end to the targeting of political dissidents.
Marceau Sivieude, the regional director for Amnesty International in West and Central Africa, stated that the legal action against Moussa Mara demonstrates a blatant disregard for Mali’s human rights commitments. These obligations are enshrined in the national Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all of which Mali is a party to.
“The authorities must stop silencing critical voices and halt the escalating crackdown on peaceful opposition,” Sivieude remarked. He urged the government to abandon authoritarian tactics and release individuals imprisoned solely for expressing their views, emphasizing that the rights to freedom of speech, association, and peaceful assembly must be protected for everyone in Mali.
Moussa Mara, who served as Prime Minister from April 2014 to January 2015 and currently leads the Yéléma opposition party, was taken into custody on August 1. He faced several charges, including “undermining the credit of the State,” “inciting public disorder,” and “opposing legitimate authority.”
His legal troubles began after he posted a message on social media on July 4, showing support for detained politicians and activists. In his post, he used the metaphor of “night” and pledged to fight by all means to ensure the “sun appears.”
The government must end the use of arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and the manipulation of the justice system to quiet peaceful opponents in Mali.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International Regional Director for West and Central Africa
Recent waves of arbitrary arrests and disappearances
The campaign against dissent in Mali has increasingly targeted activists and members of the press.
On May 8, 2025, El Béchir Thiam, a journalist and Yéléma party member, was abducted by masked individuals claiming to be intelligence officers. This occurred shortly after he publicly criticized the transitional parliament’s decision to grant the military government a new five-year term. For months, his location remained a mystery as authorities refused to acknowledge his detention. After his wife filed a kidnapping complaint in July, Thiam was eventually released on September 26.
Anti-corruption advocate Clément Dembélé was arrested in November 2023. At the time, his organization, the Platform Against Corruption and Unemployment, was preparing a press conference regarding frequent power outages. Dembélé was accused of threatening the head of state, Assimi Goïta. Despite an April 2025 court ruling dismissing the charges and ordering his release, he remains in arbitrary detention.
United Nations experts have also voiced concerns, specifically calling for the release of El Béchir Thiam and Clément Dembélé during the summer of 2025, highlighting the trend of forced disappearances and unlawful arrests.
“Mali must ensure the right to a fair trial and uphold the rule of law by stopping the misuse of the penal system against those who peacefully disagree with the administration,” added Marceau Sivieude.
Other critical voices silenced since 2023
Rokiatou Doumbia, widely known as “Rose Vie Chère,” was detained in March 2023 after speaking out against the rising cost of living and the worsening security situation under military rule. Charged with inciting revolt and undermining state credit, she received a one-year sentence. Although she has completed her original term, she continues to be held without legal justification.
Radio host and activist Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, or “Ras Bath,” was arrested in March 2023 after describing the death of former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maïga in custody as an “assassination.” He was sentenced to 18 months for “simulating an offense.” Despite serving this sentence, he remains in custody facing new charges related to criminal association and regionalist or racist crimes.
Adama Diarra, known as “Ben le Cerveau” and a former member of the National Transition Council, was arrested in September 2023 for advocating a return to civilian constitutional rule. He was sentenced to two years for undermining state credit. His requests for provisional release have been repeatedly denied, and he remains imprisoned.
Issa Kaou N’Djim, another former transition official, was handed a two-year sentence in late 2024. His arrest followed comments questioning a report from Burkina Faso regarding a coup attempt. He was charged with publicly offending a foreign head of state.
Context
Since the 2020 coup that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, Mali has been under military leadership. The transition period, originally set for 18 months, has been pushed back three times. In April 2025, the government dissolved all political parties and announced that the transition would continue for another five years.
