The Malian justice system is currently examining one of the longest-running legal cases tied to the country’s turbulent transition period. Six individuals, described by authorities as close associates of former transitional President Bah N’Daw, have appeared before the criminal chambers of the Bamako Court of Appeal to face charges of attempting to overthrow the government.
Among those in the dock are Colonel Kassoum Goïta, former head of Mali’s State Security, and Kalilou Doumbia, who served as Secretary-General of the Presidency during the early phase of the transition. The group, which includes three civilians and three military personnel, has been held in detention since 2021, despite their repeated denials of the accusations. While the prosecution has not disclosed the specific details of the alleged plot, the case stems from events between the August 2020 and May 2021 coups.
Key figures in the trial
The defendants include:
- Colonel Kassoum Goïta, who oversaw national intelligence services at the time;
- Kalilou Doumbia, who managed presidential affairs during the first phase of the transition;
- An adjutant-chef from State Security;
- A police commissioner;
- A prominent businessman;
- A traditional spiritual advisor (marabout).
Legal battles and procedural setbacks
The defense team has consistently argued that the trial is politically motivated, targeting individuals solely due to their association with Bah N’Daw, who was removed from power in the May 2021 coup. In a surprising turn, Kalilou Doumbia and former police commissioner Moustapha Diakité were granted a non-lieu (dismissal) in June 2022. Yet, despite this legal victory, they remained in custody. By January 2023, the appeals court reversed course, ordering all six defendants to stand trial before the criminal court. Since then, their requests for provisional release have been repeatedly denied.
The accused continue to insist on their innocence, asserting that the charges lack substance. Their lawyers express hope that the ongoing proceedings will provide clarity and ultimately clear their clients’ names. Meanwhile, in December 2021, the defense filed a complaint against General Modibo Koné, the current Director of State Security, over alleged misconduct during the arrests. However, no judicial progress has been made in that case to date.
