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Mali’s former civilian Prime Minister, Choguel Kokalla Maiga, has been charged with embezzling public funds and remanded in custody following a hearing at the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Maiga’s lawyer, Cheick Oumar Konare, confirmed the development to AFP, noting that a trial date is yet to be set.
“We believe in justice, we are calm while awaiting the trial,” Konare said, adding that Maiga would remain in prison until proceedings begin.
The former prime minister is accused of “damage to public property, forgery, and the use of false documents,” according to a judicial source.
Eight of Maiga’s former colleagues from his time in office have also been placed in custody, while his ex-chief of staff has been released pending trial.
Maiga was arrested last week, just days after the junta carried out mass arrests over an alleged plot within the army to topple the government.
“Choguel Maiga says he is calm and believes that a politician should expect anything, including prison and death,” Konare added in a statement.
Maiga’s dismissal in November 2024 came after he criticised the military rulers over their refusal to hand power back to civilians. His sacking underscored the junta’s tightening hold on Mali’s political space.
He was initially appointed prime minister after the second coup in 2021 but was replaced with General Abdoulaye Maiga, the government’s former spokesman, after publicly questioning the military’s transition timetable.
Mali has faced deepening instability since 2012, with jihadist insurgencies, separatist uprisings, and criminal violence destabilising the country.
The junta, led by President Assimi Goita, has distanced itself from Western partners, particularly France, while strengthening military and political ties with Russia.
Both the Malian army and its Russian allies have repeatedly been accused of committing atrocities against civilians. Meanwhile, the junta has intensified its crackdown on dissent.
In July, Mali’s military-backed legislature passed a bill granting Goita a renewable five-year presidential mandate, effectively allowing him to remain in power indefinitely without the need for elections.
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