Six years into Mali’s political transition, a high-profile case involving alleged conspirators with ties to former transitional president Bah N’Daw has reached a critical stage. The proceedings, unfolding today before Bamako’s criminal chambers of the appeals court, center on a group facing serious accusations of plotting to destabilize the government.
The defendants include three civilians and three military officers, all of whom deny the charges. Among them are Colonel Kassoum Goïta, former director of State Security, and Kalilou Doumbia, who served as secretary-general of the presidency during the early phase of the transition between the August 2020 and May 2021 coups. Colonel Goïta is unrelated to General Assimi Goïta, the current transitional leader. The remaining accused are an adjutant-chief from State Security, a police commissioner, a businessman, and a traditional healer.
Legal battles and prolonged detention
The defendants have been held since 2021, despite a 2022 court decision granting a no-contest ruling in favor of Kalilou Doumbia and Moustapha Diakité, a former Kayes police commissioner. Both men remain incarcerated. In January 2023, the appeals court ordered their cases be sent to criminal court, and since then, every request for provisional release has been denied. Defense attorneys argue the trial is politically motivated, targeting individuals due to their association with Bah N’Daw, who was removed from power in the May 2021 coup.
Unresolved allegations and ongoing concerns
In December 2021, defense lawyers filed a complaint against General Modibo Koné, current director of State Security, alleging misconduct during the arrests. No judicial progress has been made in that case since then. Today, the six accused will appear in court once more to address the accusations they continue to deny. Their legal team insists the trial is an opportunity to uncover the truth and clear their clients’ names.
As proceedings unfold, observers are closely watching whether justice will be served or if the case will further strain public confidence in Mali’s legal and political institutions.
