Hamma Ag Mahmoud, a former Malian government official who served as Minister of Labor and Public Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré, has joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), an opposition bloc led by Imam Dicko. His career also included leadership roles as a prefect across multiple regions, including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou, before aligning with the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) during the 2012 rebellion. Within the MNLA, he played a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.

political elite’s failures spark urgent call for unity

Since relocating to Mauritania in 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has maintained a low public profile—until now. In a candid assessment of Mali’s current turmoil, he asserts that the country is at a breaking point. «We are in a period of crisis, and the nation is unraveling,» he states. «Malians must unite around a shared vision for society where everyone has a place. The CFR has taken the initiative; I believe all citizens should rally behind it to organize a national conference that rectifies past mistakes.»

He underscores the consequences of political failure: «The rebellions and jihadist insurgencies in Mali stem from the elite’s inability to govern effectively. The people deserve a political project that reflects their aspirations.»

negotiating with jihadists: a pragmatic or perilous path?

The JNIM, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has recently recalibrated its rhetoric to position itself as a political actor in Mali. While it now claims to uphold «sovereignty» and defend communities, its core objective remains unchanged: imposing its interpretation of sharia law. Can such a group be engaged in a republican framework?

Hamma Ag Mahmoud insists it is possible. «Absolutely,» he argues. «All democratic principles—equality, justice—must be applied by involving every Malian. Only then can we end the cycle of violence.»