Multiple ex-Malian ministers and high-ranking military officials began facing trial on Tuesday for allegedly embezzling millions of dollars during the acquisition of a presidential jet in 2014 and military equipment.
This case is significant in Mali, given that the current military leaders seized power following a 2020 coup, citing the need to combat corruption within President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s administration and address the government’s failure to counter insurgents and rebels.
At the time, the presidential jet was purchased for $40 million, and a substantial amount of weaponry was procured without prior tender processes.
The situation prompted the International Monetary Fund(IMF) to suspend funds for Mali for six months.
Former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, the defence minister at the time of the acquisitions, and former finance minister Bouare Fily Sissoko were arrested in 2021 in connection with this case, facing allegations of fraud, deceit, and nepotism.
Maiga, who maintained his innocence, passed away in prison in March of last year. His supporters claim that the junta allowed his death to occur while in custody.
Other individuals accused in the case include Mahamadou Camara, the former chief of staff of the ousted president.