Mali’s civilian former prime minister, Choguel Kokalla Maiga, has been charged with embezzlement of public funds and placed in custody.
This development comes months after his dismissal for openly criticizing the ruling military junta.
The charges were confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, following a hearing before Mali’s Supreme Court.
Embezzlement Charges and Custody
According to his lawyer, Cheick Oumar Konare, Maiga faces accusations of embezzlement, forgery, and use of false documents.
“We believe in justice, we are calm while awaiting the trial,” Konare said, noting that no trial date has been fixed.
Eight of Maiga’s former colleagues have also been detained. His former chief of staff was released while awaiting trial. Judicial officials confirmed that Maiga is specifically accused of “damage to public property.”
He was arrested one week ago, shortly after the junta claimed it had foiled a coup plot within the army’s ranks.
Political Fallout and Junta Crackdown
Maiga, who became prime minister after Mali’s second coup in 2021, was dismissed in November 2024, after he had publicly criticized the junta for failing to provide a clear timeline for returning power to civilians.
His removal highlighted the military’s tightening control over politics. The junta replaced him with General Abdoulaye Maiga, a close ally of President Assimi Goita.
Mali’s Ongoing Crisis
Mali has faced instability since 2012, when separatist and jihadist uprisings rocked the country. Armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, as well as local militias, continue deadly attacks, often targeting civilians.
The junta has distanced itself from Western allies, including France, while deepening ties with Russia. However, both Malian and Russian forces have been accused of atrocities against civilians.
In July, Mali’s military-appointed parliament passed a bill granting President Goita a five-year renewable mandate, effectively consolidating power without elections.
With Maiga now facing trial, analysts view the charges as part of a wider crackdown on political dissent in the West African nation.
RELATED LINK: Mali Junta Arrests Ex-PM Maiga for Corruption
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