Mali’s former Prime Minister, Moussa Mara, is facing charges for allegedly undermining the state and spreading false information through a post on social media. His trial is set for September 29, according to his legal team.
The charges were formally brought after Mara appeared before Mali’s judicial cybercrimes unit. He had been summoned multiple times throughout July for questioning related to a post in which he expressed solidarity with jailed critics of the government.
Mara, who briefly served as prime minister in 2015, has remained outspoken against the country’s military leadership. His criticism has focused on governance, civil liberties, and human rights issues under the junta’s rule.
Since the military took control in 2020, the political environment in Mali has tightened significantly. The ruling authorities have banned political parties and detained numerous activists, drawing strong condemnation from human rights groups concerned about the erosion of democratic freedoms.
The government has also faced growing criticism for its handling of the ongoing conflict with Islamist militants, delayed transition plans, and increased restrictions on dissent.
Mara’s case has become another flashpoint in a broader national and international debate about the direction of Mali’s governance, rule of law, and freedom of expression.