The trial over an alleged “attempted conspiracy against the government” continued on Thursday, July 15, at the Bamako Court of Appeal, with former State Security chief Colonel Kassoum Goïta making serious accusations against the military authorities currently leading Mali’s transition.
Six people close to former transitional president Bah N’Daw are facing charges in the case. Bah N’Daw was appointed president by the military officers who seized power in August 2020, before being removed from office in May 2021 by the same officers after attempting to exclude some of them from the government.
Kassoum Goïta denies any conspiracy plot
During the third day of hearings, Colonel Kassoum Goïta rejected the accusations against him, arguing that there was no reason to organize a conspiracy in favor of Bah N’Daw. According to sources present at the hearing, he explained that the former transitional president had no desire to remain in power and therefore could not have been at the center of a plot to restore his authority.
The former head of State Security, who shares no relation with current transitional leader Assimi Goïta, said his position gave him access to sensitive information. He claimed this was the reason he was allegedly abducted, detained and later prosecuted.
Allegations of embezzlement and power consolidation
At the hearing, Kassoum Goïta accused the military leaders who took power after the 2020 coup of misappropriating public funds dating back to the administration of former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.
He alleged that the funds were transferred, through former Economy Minister Alousséni Sanou, to offshore accounts. According to him, Bah N’Daw became aware of the situation and demanded that the money be returned, without success. The former security chief did not provide any details about the amount allegedly involved.
He also claimed that he had knowledge of a plan by military officials to remain in power far beyond the initial transition timeline. According to him, Bah N’Daw rejected the idea after being informed. The military-led transition, which began after the 2020 coup, has now lasted nearly six years.
Accusations of torture in detention
During his testimony, Kassoum Goïta also spoke about alleged torture during his detention, despite interruptions from the public prosecutor. Another defendant, businessman Sandi Ahmed Saloum, gave a more detailed account of alleged abuses, including severe physical violence. Photographs documenting the injuries have reportedly been included in the case file.
At the beginning of the trial, defense lawyers had already accused authorities of illegal arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, forced statements signed without lawyers present and other procedural violations.
The court rejected their request to dismiss the proceedings, as well as their appeal for the 2021 amnesty law to be applied. That law protects those responsible for the August 2020 and May 2021 coups, including the current military leadership.
Proceedings continue despite absent key witness
Former presidential secretary-general Kalilou Doumbia, who announced the composition of the short-lived government formed after the May 2021 coup, is expected to testify next. The hearing will then move toward closing arguments from the defense lawyers, the prosecution and the state litigation representatives. The main witness behind the accusations of conspiracy, a military officer, has not appeared since the trial began. However, the court retains the authority to compel his appearance if deemed necessary.
Leave a comment