Mali Ex-PM Mara Charged After Social Media Post

Former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara, who served from 2014 to 2015, has been detained and charged with undermining the credibility of the state after posting on social media in support of political prisoners and criticizing shrinking democratic space under Assimi Goita's military government. Mara was summoned multiple times by authorities before being formally charged with additional offenses, including inciting public disorder and spreading false information. His trial is scheduled for September 29, and he remains barred from international travel. The arrest is seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent following Mali's first pro-democracy rally since the 2020 and 2021 coups, as the military dissolves political parties and extends Goita's mandate without elections. Mara's legal team condemns the charges and detention as unjust and plans to contest the proceedings. The government has not responded to requests for comment, while the country faces ongoing insecurity due to jihadist attacks.