Mali’s military-led government has charged former Prime Minister Boubou Cissé with subverting state power after comments he posted on social media.
Prosecutors said the charge was confirmed on Aug. 1 under Mali’s national security laws. The post, on the platform X, questioned the government’s credibility and warned of worsening repression and economic decline.
Officials said the wording amounted to an invitation to illegal acts and an attempt to spread distrust. The indictment cited sections of the penal code dealing with national security.
Cissé was prime minister from 2019 until the 2020 coup that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. Since then, the army has been in control, elections have been delayed, and opposition activity restricted.
Authorities have stepped up surveillance of critics, including politicians, journalists and rights groups. Human rights organizations say the charges are political. Cissé’s lawyer called the case unconstitutional and an attack on free speech.
There is no court date yet. Prosecutors said the case will move forward under national security procedures.
Regional bodies and foreign governments have not reacted. Analysts say the indictment could worsen Mali’s international isolation and complicate talks on the delayed transition back to civilian rule.
The army has ruled Mali since the 2020 and 2021 coups and has faced growing criticism for clamping down on dissent while failing to deliver on its transition promises.
