Mali Ex-PM Choguel Maïga Charged With Embezzlement

Choguel Kokalla Maïga, Mali’s former civilian prime minister, has been formally charged with the embezzlement of public funds, his legal representative Cheick Oumar Konare confirmed on Tuesday.

The 66-year-old politician was taken into custody after appearing before the Supreme Court, where prosecutors also accused him of forgery and using fraudulent documents.

No official date has been announced for his upcoming trial. Judicial authorities state that the investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be forthcoming.

Maïga was appointed prime minister in June 2021 following Mali’s second military coup in less than a year. However, he was abruptly removed from office in November 2024 after making bold public remarks against the junta.

He openly criticised the military leadership for its ambiguous timeline regarding the return to civilian rule, fueling tensions within the transitional government.

Shortly after his dismissal, General Abdoulaye Maïga—previously a government spokesperson—was named as his replacement by the junta.

Junta Tightens Grip Following Coup Plot Allegations

Maïga’s arrest occurred just a week ago, triggering the detention of eight of his former close aides, including senior advisors from his time in office.

His former chief of staff, however, has been released pending trial after being held briefly during the investigation phase.

Lawyers representing Maïga stated that the former head of government remains composed while detained, expressing faith in Mali’s judicial process.

The charges come amid a wider crackdown by the junta, which recently launched mass arrests within the army to foil what it called an attempted internal coup plot.
The timing of Maïga’s arrest—coming just days after this alleged plot—has further fueled speculation that the junta is using legal tools to suppress political opposition and consolidate power.

Mali has been under military rule since the twin coups of 2020 and 2021, with transitional deadlines repeatedly delayed. The junta has faced both internal dissent and growing pressure from regional blocs and international partners.