In brief
Moussa Mara, the ex-prime minister of Mali, has been charged with undermining the state following his criticism of the military government and support for detained opposition figures.
Mara's controversial comments on X (formerly Twitter) have led to accusations from the national cybercrime unit. The charges come after he expressed solidarity with "prisoners of conscience," stating, “As long as the night lasts, the sun will inevitably rise!” This follows the military junta's controversial steps to dissolve political parties in May, which has drawn public dissent. On July 4, Mara announced his support for those imprisoned, prompting his questioning by the cybercrime unit. He was charged with opposing legitimate authority along with undermining state credibility and inciting public disorder. Mara is scheduled to stand trial on September 29. The charges emerge amidst a backdrop of a transitioning political landscape in Mali after two coups in 2020 and 2021. The military leader, Gen Assimi Goïta, has since consolidated power, pledging to hold elections which have since been postponed, raising concerns over the future of democratic governance in the country.
