Former Mali Prime Minister Jailed Amid Corruption Allegations

Choguel Maïga, ex-prime minister of Mali, has been imprisoned on charges of corruption, which he denies. This decision follows a report critiquing his management of public funds. The political climate remains tense, with the junta granting itself more power and detaining other former ministers.

Choguel Maïga, the 67-year-old former prime minister of Mali, was detained on Tuesday over corruption allegations, which he has vehemently denied through his lawyer. His arrest is linked to a report by Mali's auditor general, scrutinizing his handling of public funds during his tenure.

Maïga, who was dismissed from his role leading the civilian wing of Mali's military junta in November 2024 after criticizing election delays, continues to vocally oppose the junta. His lawyer, Cheick Oumar Konaré, informed that the charges were formally communicated by the Supreme Court after the prosecutor general's filing.

The political landscape in Mali is additionally plagued by the imprisonment of another former prime minister, Moussa Mara, earlier in the month for expressing support for jailed critics of the ruling junta. This comes as Gen. Assimi Goita consolidates power, extending the junta's rule amidst dissolutions of political parties and delayed promises of a civilian-led government.

(With inputs from agencies.)