Six close associates of Mali’s former transitional President, Bah N’Daw, are set to appear before the Criminal Chambers of the Bamako Court of Appeal on Tuesday over allegations of attempting to destabilize the Government.
The accused, including former State Security chief Colonel Kassoum Goïta and former presidential Secretary General Kalilou Doumbia, have spent nearly five years in detention after being arrested in 2021. They are accused of “attempted conspiracy against the Government”, although authorities have not publicly detailed the specific allegations against them.
The group, made up of three civilians and three military personnel, has denied the accusations. Their lawyers argue that the case is politically motivated and targets individuals linked to Bah N’Daw, who was removed from office by the military in 2021.
The trial comes after years of legal delays, with defence lawyers saying the accused suffered torture, prolonged detention and inadequate medical care while in custody. They hope the proceedings will clear their names.