Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali’s Minister of Labor and Civil Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. Later, he held prefect positions across key Malian regions including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. During the 2012 rebellion, he joined the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), contributing to the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.

‘Political class has failed’

Based in Mauritania since 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has now officially joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). ‘We are in a period of deep crisis,’ he states. ‘The country is disintegrating. Malians must unite around a shared vision where everyone finds their place. The CFR has taken the lead, and I believe all Malians should rally behind it to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.’

‘The presence of rebellions and Islamist groups in Mali is a direct consequence of the political class’s failure,’ he continues. ‘Malians deserve a political project that unites everyone.’

‘If we associate jihadist groups like JNIM with a common project, we can end this crisis,’ he asserts. ‘Restoring good governance would eliminate both jihadists and separatist rebellions.’

Sharia vs. Republic

In recent months, JNIM has shifted its rhetoric to position itself as a political actor in Mali. While the group now claims to defend sovereignty and protect populations, its ultimate goal remains unchanged: enforcing its interpretation of Sharia law. Can negotiations with such a group occur within a republican framework?

‘Absolutely,’ insists the former Malian civil administrator. ‘All democratic principles—equality, justice—must be applied by involving all Malians.’