A court in Mali’s capital, Bamako, has sentenced former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison for a social media post expressing solidarity with political prisoners — a verdict that critics say underscores the ruling junta’s growing intolerance of dissent.
Mara, who served as Mali’s prime minister between 2014 and 2015, was convicted on Monday of “undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority.” The court handed him a one-year prison term, an additional one-year suspended sentence, and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (about $887).
The case stemmed from a post Mara published in July, in which he mentioned meeting with political prisoners and pledged to seek justice on their behalf. Authorities accused him of using the post to question the legitimacy of the current government, led by military ruler Colonel Assimi Goita.
Mara has been in detention since August 1. His lawyer, Mountaga Tall, criticised the ruling and confirmed plans to appeal. “This is not the end,” Tall told AFP. “We will discuss with our client and determine the next course of action.”
An associate of Mara, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment but little surprise at the judgment, asking pointedly, “What exactly is his crime?”
The sentencing comes amid heightened political repression in Mali under Col. Goita, who came to power following coups in 2020 and 2021. The verdict against Mara — one of the country’s most prominent civilian politicians — reinforces fears among international observers that the West African nation is sliding further away from democratic governance.
Since taking power, Goita’s military administration has tightened control over political discourse, clamped down on opposition activities, and delayed the promised transition to civilian rule. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that the regime’s actions threaten free speech and civic engagement.
Mara’s conviction is the latest in a series of measures targeting political figures and activists critical of the junta, signalling a deepening climate of fear and repression in Mali’s political landscape.
Melissa Enoch
