Gambiaj.com – (Bamako, Mali) – Former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara was remanded to the Central Prison of Bamako on Friday, August 1, 2025, after two weeks of judicial proceedings, culminating in what his supporters describe as a politically motivated crackdown.
Mara, who served as Prime Minister in 2014 and is a prominent member of a dissolved political party, was formally charged following a series of public messages expressing solidarity with individuals widely regarded as political prisoners.
His legal troubles began after multiple appearances before the judiciary, including a summons by the Brigade d’Investigation Judiciaire (BIJ) on July 16 and lengthy interrogations by the public prosecutor in Bamako.
The case against Mara stems from messages he posted on social media since early July, following visits to detained civil society figures such as Mohamed Youssouf Bathily (alias Ras Bath), Rose “La Vie Chère,” Clément Dembélé, Mamadou Traoré (“Le Roi”), Issa Kaou N’Djim, Imam Bandiougou, and members of the Movement of the Malian People (MPM) and the Coordination of Movements, Associations, and Sympathizers (CMAS).
These individuals are seen by many as political dissidents under the current military-led transitional government.
In a July 4 post on X (formerly Twitter), Mara wrote, “We make these visits regularly to show our solidarity. We continue to support their families as well. All this to ensure the flame of hope never dies in them.” He added, “However long the night, the sun will inevitably rise! And we will fight by all means to make it happen as soon as possible.”
Authorities interpreted the message as a form of defiance, leading to his arrest and the issuance of a detention warrant by the prosecutor of the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Commune 4 of Bamako.
Mara is being represented by lawyer and influential politician Me Mountaga Tall. His defense maintains that the case is politically driven and an attack on democratic dissent under the current regime.
It remains unclear whether Mara will be granted conditional release pending trial. Widely seen as a leading opposition voice during the transitional period, his detention is likely to heighten tensions in an already fragile political climate.
