Mali’s military junta arrested former Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga on corruption charges, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
The detention marks another move against high-profile critics of the regime.
Maiga’s arrest follows his earlier questioning by the National Economic and Financial Unit over alleged misuse of public property.
Corruption Probe and Charges
Maiga faced scrutiny for suspected financial irregularities during his tenure.
A 113-page audit by Mali’s Office of the Auditor General highlighted misuse of nearly 2 billion CFA francs (about $3.3 million USD) at the Universal Access Fund Management Agency (Agefau), which Maiga oversaw.
The report cited unauthorized loans, excessive travel expenses, and missing equipment. Consequently, he was taken into custody.
Maiga’s Criticism of the Junta
Maiga served as prime minister from June 2021 until November 2024, when he was sacked days after criticizing the junta for delaying elections.
He continued to denounce the regime’s actions post-dismissal, straining ties with junta leader General Assimi Goita.
His outspoken stance, including leading the Movement of June 5/Rally of Patriotic Forces (M5/RFP), likely contributed to his targeting.
Broader Political Crackdown
Another former prime minister, Moussa Mara, was arrested on August 1, 2025, for “damaging the state’s credibility” after tweeting support for jailed critics.
The junta, in power since coups in 2020 and 2021, has intensified its crackdown on dissent.
In May 2025, it dissolved all political parties, and in June, Goita extended his rule by five years, breaking a promise to restore civilian governance by March 2024.
Ongoing Tensions and Implications
Maiga’s arrest signals the junta’s tightening grip on power amid Mali’s ongoing jihadist and separatist violence.
His lawyer, Cheick Oumar Konaré, contests the detention, arguing Maiga has no intent to flee or destroy evidence.
As public outrage grows, the case tests the junta’s commitment to accountability or its use of selective justice to silence opponents.
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