Former Mali PM Maiga Charged, Detained Amid Military Crackdown

Choguel Kokalla Maiga, the former civilian prime minister of Mali, was charged with embezzlement and placed in custody following a hearing before Mali's Supreme Court. Maiga, appointed after a 2021 coup and dismissed in November 2024 after criticizing the military junta's postponement of elections and lack of transparency, faces accusations including misuse of public funds, forgery, and money laundering involving several million euros or US dollars. His arrest comes amid a broader crackdown by Mali's military leaders, who have detained dozens of soldiers and political figures over alleged coup plots and efforts to destabilize the government. Eight of Maiga's former collaborators have also been detained, with some released and others still awaiting trial. Maiga's lawyer stated his client remains calm and believes in justice while awaiting trial, which has not yet been scheduled. Mali continues to grapple with a severe security crisis and political instability following back-to-back coups and shifting alliances away from Western partners toward Russia.