Mali’s military junta has detained former Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga as part of a corruption investigation, deepening concerns over the country’s political crackdown. Maiga was taken into custody earlier this month after questioning by the National Economic and Financial Unit over alleged misuse of public property and misappropriation of funds.
His lawyer, Cheick Oumar Konare, is contesting the detention, arguing there’s no risk of flight or evidence tampering. The arrest comes just days after dozens were detained in what authorities claim was an effort to quash a coup plot, marking a surge in high-profile political imprisonments.
The clampdown has also targeted other political figures, including former Prime Minister Moussa Mara, who was jailed after voicing support for critics of the junta.
Mali has been under military rule since a 2020 coup, followed by another in 2021. In May, the junta dissolved political parties, and in June, leader Gen. Assimi Goita was granted a five-year extension to his rule — despite earlier pledges to return to civilian governance by March 2024. The arrests highlight the regime’s tightening control as it consolidates power amid growing domestic and international criticism.
