Former Malian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga has been charged with embezzlement of public funds and remanded in custody, his lawyer, Cheick Oumar Konare, confirmed on Tuesday.
The former civilian head of government, who led Mali from June 2021 until his dismissal in November 2024 for criticising the ruling junta, was arraigned before the Supreme Court. A trial date has yet to be fixed.
Judicial officials said Maïga faces charges including damage to public property, forgery, and use of false documents. His arrest last week was followed by the detention of eight of his former aides, though his chief of staff has since been released.
The development comes amid heightened political tension, with the junta— which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021— recently ordering dozens of arrests within the military over an alleged plot to destabilise the government.
Maïga, replaced by General Abdoulaye Maïga in late 2024, is said to be calm in detention as he awaits trial. His lawyer maintained confidence in the judicial process, saying, “We believe in justice.”
