In a significant political development, former Malian minister Hamma Ag Mahmoud has publicly aligned himself with the Coalition des forces pour la République (CFR), spearheaded by Imam Mahmoud Dicko. The announcement comes at a critical juncture for Mali, as the nation grapples with deepening instability and a crisis of governance.
From government to rebellion: a career shaped by Mali’s challenges
Hamma Ag Mahmoud’s political journey reflects the turbulent history of Mali. Serving as Minister of Labour and Civil Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré, he later held key prefectural roles in regions including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. His commitment to public service led him to join the Mouvement national de libération de l’Azawad (MNLA) during the 2012 rebellion, where he played a pivotal role in negotiating the 2015 peace accord with the Malian government.
a call for unity amid national fragmentation
Since relocating to Mauritania in 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has observed Mali’s decline with growing concern. In a recent statement, he emphasized the urgent need for collective action: “We are in a period of crisis, with the country unraveling at its seams. Malians must unite around a shared vision for society where everyone feels represented.” He praised the CFR for taking the initiative and urged all citizens to rally behind the coalition’s efforts to organize a national conference aimed at correcting past mistakes.
Criticizing Mali’s political class for its failure to deliver stability, he stated: “The emergence of rebellions and jihadist groups is a direct consequence of political mismanagement. Malians deserve a cohesive political project that brings everyone together.”
navigating the future: governance, jihadists, and national sovereignty
The timing of Hamma Ag Mahmoud’s announcement is particularly noteworthy given recent shifts in discourse among jihadist factions, including the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate. While the group has attempted to present itself as a political actor—even invoking the concept of sovereignty—its ultimate goal remains the imposition of Sharia law.
Addressing concerns about negotiating with such groups in a republican framework, the former minister expressed cautious optimism: “Yes, it is possible. The principles of democracy—equality and justice—must be upheld by involving all Malians in the process.”
His stance underscores a broader debate in Mali: can dialogue with extremist groups, even those rejecting republican values, lead to lasting peace, or does it risk legitimizing their agenda? Hamma Ag Mahmoud believes that restoring good governance could eliminate the conditions that fuel insurgency, including jihadism and separatist movements.