Mali: trial begins for six allies of former junta leader bah n’daw
Six-year-old case reaches critical stage in Bamako
Six individuals closely tied to Bah N’Daw, Mali’s former transitional president, stood before the criminal chambers of the Bamako Court of Appeal today. The proceedings mark the latest development in a long-running legal saga that stretches back to the nation’s turbulent transition period.
The defendants include three civilians and three military officers, all of whom have been held in custody since 2021. Among them are Colonel Kassoum Goïta, former director of State Security, and Kalilou Doumbia, who served as Secretary-General of the Presidency during the initial transition phase. Neither Goïta shares a familial connection with General Assimi Goïta, the current transitional leader, though both men held influential positions during the same period.
Charged with attempted conspiracy against the government, the accused deny all allegations. Legal representatives argue that the prosecution is politically motivated, asserting that their clients face charges solely due to their association with Bah N’Daw, who was removed from power during the May 2021 coup.
Legal battles and procedural delays
The case has been marred by delays and contradictory rulings since its inception. In June 2022, a court granted a dismissal for Doumbia and Moustapha Diakité, a former Kayes police commissioner. However, both men remained detained. By January 2023, the Appeals Court reversed course, ordering all six defendants to stand trial. Since then, repeated requests for provisional release have been denied.
The defense team maintains that the proceedings lack substantive evidence. During a hearing in December 2021, they filed a complaint against General Modibo Koné, the current Director of State Security, alleging misconduct during the arrests. To date, no judicial action has been taken on that complaint.
The six defendants are expected to appear in court again to address the charges against them. Their legal representatives express hope that the trial will finally clarify the circumstances and exonerate their clients.