Mali court releases 11 opposition leaders accused of plotting against military rule

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Lagos, Nigeria – A Malian court has provisionally released 11 opposition leaders who were detained in June on charges of conspiring against the ruling military government.

The release, announced on Friday, is seen as a move to ease political tensions following widespread criticism of General Abdoulaye Maïga’s controversial appointment as prime minister.

The arrested individuals, prominent members of opposition political parties, were accused of plotting against the junta after signing a March declaration urging the military to cede power to civilians.

Their detention on June 20 occurred during an “illegal” meeting held in defiance of a nationwide ban on political party activities. This crackdown drew condemnation from both domestic and international observers, intensifying scrutiny on the military-led government.

Since seizing power in a 2020 coup, followed by another in 2021, Mali’s junta has faced mounting pressure to transition back to civilian governance. “The 11 comrades of the platform of political parties and associations of the Declaration of March 31 have been free since yesterday,” said former Malian minister Djiguiba Keita, whose Party for National Renaissance (Parena) is among the declaration’s signatories. While their release is welcomed, questions remain about the junta’s commitment to restoring democratic order.