BAMAKO, Mali — Recently, a court in Mali has granted freedom to 11 opposition leaders who were detained in June under allegations of conspiring against the military ruling junta. This group had called for a return to civilian governance, prompting their arrest amidst a politically charged environment. Their release on Friday appears to be a strategy aimed at stabilizing the political situation following the contentious appointment of General Abdoulaye Maïga as the new prime minister.
Since a military takeover in 2020, Mali has seen continued governance by military leaders, which was further solidified by another coup the subsequent year. The opposition leaders were taken into custody on June 20 during a gathering deemed “illegal,” occurring when political party activities were barred. They faced accusations of plotting against the junta after endorsing a declaration in March that called for the military to relinquish its control.
Former Malian minister Djiguiba Keita, whose party, the Party for National Rebirth (Parena), is among the signatories of the March 31 declaration, confirmed their release. He stated on Friday, “The 11 comrades of the March 31st Declaration platform of political parties and associations have been free since yesterday.” Keita emphasized that this release is part of a broader initiative to urge authorities to restore the political climate in the country.
Issa Togo, a member of the Adema PASJ party and a past deputy in the National Assembly, remarked that all released individuals are now free to engage in political activities and travel. However, it’s important to note that several notable political figures and activists remain incarcerated in Mali. This includes Issa Kaou N’Djim, former vice-president of the National Transitional Council, and economist Etienne Fakaba Sissoko, both of whom have openly criticized the military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
General Maïga’s appointment as prime minister took place in November, just a day after the dismissal of civilian prime minister Choguel Maïga—no relation—who had openly criticized the junta’s decision to delay the presidential election that was set for 2024.
