Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali‘s Minister of Labor and Public Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. Later, he held prefect positions across several Malian regions including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. In 2012, he joined the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) during the Tuareg rebellion, playing a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement between the movement and Mali‘s government.

Political failure fuels crisis

Since relocating to Mauritania in 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has now publicly aligned with the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). «We are in a period of profound crisis, with the country unraveling at the seams», he told our reporter. «Malians must unite around a shared vision of society where everyone has a place. The CFR has taken the initiative, and I believe all Malians should join to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.»

«The presence of rebellions and Islamist groups in Mali is a direct result of political failure», he asserted. «People need a political project that brings everyone together.»

Engaging with jihadists: a path to peace?

In recent months, the JNIM—linked to al-Qaeda—has adjusted its rhetoric, positioning itself as a potential political actor in Mali. While the group now claims to uphold «sovereignty» and defend local populations, its ultimate goal remains unchanged: enforcing its interpretation of sharia law. Can negotiations with such an organization occur within a republican framework?

«Absolutely», Hamma Ag Mahmoud insists. «All democratic principles—equality, justice—must be applied by involving every Malian.»

Many citizens remain skeptical, fearing dialogue with the jihadists could fragment the country or legitimize extremist rule. «If we include them in a collective project, we can put an end to this», he argued. «Restoring good governance would eliminate both jihadism and separatist rebellion.»