Malian court releases 11 opposition leaders amid political tensions

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Lagos, Nigeria – A court in Mali has released 11 opposition leaders detained in June on charges of conspiring against the military-led government. The provisional release, announced on Friday, is seen as an effort to ease the country’s heightened political tensions following the appointment of General Abdoulaye Maïga as Prime Minister.

The detainees, arrested on 20 June during a politically sensitive period that banned party activities, had been accused of plotting against the junta after signing a March declaration urging the military to relinquish power.

Djiguiba Keita, a prominent opposition figure and member of the Party for National Renaissance, hailed the release as a step towards reconciliation. “This decision reflects our persistent calls for dialogue and a more inclusive political environment,” Keita told reporters.

However, the move has done little to quell broader concerns about democratic governance in Mali. Key political and civil society figures, including former National Transitional Council Vice President Issa Kaou N’Djim and economist Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, remain behind bars.

Mali’s junta, which seized power in 2020 and orchestrated a second coup in 2021, has faced increasing criticism for postponing elections and maintaining a tight grip on power. The opposition continues to call for a clear roadmap towards civilian rule, warning that trust in the country’s leadership remains fragile.