Ahmed Salem
Six men in Mali, linked to former transitional president Bah N'Daw, are on trial for allegedly plotting a coup. The case was presented before the appeals court in Bamako on Tuesday, July 14.
The six defendants include former security chief Colonel Kassoum Goïta and former secretary-general of the presidency Kalilou Doumbia. They say they were kidnapped, tortured, and held captive for nearly five years.
Defense evidence in the hearing
Their lawyers say the hearing is their first real chance to challenge the charges against them. The six are accused of conspiring against the government, but authorities have not disclosed exactly what they allegedly did.
The defense lawyers add that the case is politically motivated and targets allies of Bah Ndaw. The defense also filed a complaint against the current head of security, General Modibo Koné, in December 2021, but no action has been taken.
First transitional period in Mali
During Mali's first transitional period, between the August 2020 coup and the second coup in May 2021, Kalilou Doumbia served as Secretary-General of the Presidency. Colonel Kassoum Goïta, who is not related to the transitional president Assimi Goïta, headed the Malian intelligence service. Other defendants include a high-ranking state security officer, a police commissioner, a businessman, and a religious preacher.
The Commission President discusses solutions to the crises in Mali
Earlier on Sunday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, arrived in the Malian capital, Bamako, at the head of a high-level delegation, on an official visit aimed at strengthening ties of solidarity and deepening joint cooperation between the Union and the Republic of Mali.
Upon their arrival at President Modibo Keita Senou International Airport, the Chairperson of the Commission and his accompanying delegation were received by the Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, along with the Minister of Malians Living Abroad and African Integration, Moussa Ag Attaher.
High-level talks to resolve crises and challenges
According to a statement issued by the media office of the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the visit's agenda includes a series of high-level bilateral talks with senior Malian officials, as well as extensive joint working sessions between the two delegations.
The top priority of these meetings is to discuss ways to reach effective and sustainable solutions to the current challenges and crises facing Mali, and to support efforts for stability and development in the country.
A new dynamic for joint African action
This visit, which combines solidarity and cooperation, falls within the framework of launching a new dynamic of exchange and joint action between the Republic of Mali and the African Union, in order to activate the continental role in supporting Mali to overcome its delicate stage, and to strengthen regional integration.
