Mali’s military junta has taken a dramatic step by charging former Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga with embezzlement and money laundering. This legal action comes just months after Maiga, who led the civilian wing of the junta after the 2021 coup, was dismissed from his post. Prior to his dismissal, he had publicly criticized the junta’s decision to postpone elections. The charges, which allege the misappropriation of millions of euros, are based on a report from the country’s auditor general. This move is seen as part of a broader pattern of the regime consolidating power and silencing dissent, following the recent jailing of another former prime minister. As Mali pivots away from Western allies and deepens its ties with Russia, these internal crackdowns signal the junta’s tight grip on the nation’s political landscape, raising serious concerns about its future direction.
RFI
