A prominent Malian economist and professor has been sentenced to two years in jail, with one year suspended, for his criticism of the military junta. Étienne Fakaba Sissoko was also fined 3 million CFA francs ($4,900; £3,900).
The 41-year-old academic, who has been in custody since March, faced charges of defamation and damaging the state’s reputation by distributing fake news.
These charges stem from a book he published last year, which he defended in court, asserting that the work was grounded in fact.
According to human rights organizations, his case represents the most recent example of a broad crackdown on dissenters and political adversaries of the military regime.
This regime came into power in August 2020 following the ousting of then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in a coup, triggered by extensive anti-government demonstrations protesting his management of jihadist insurgency issues.
Sissoko’s lawyer, Ibrahim Marhouf Sacko, expressed little surprise at the verdict and stated that an appeal would be filed, as reported by the AFP news agency.
The University of Bamako professor, who previously served as an adviser to the late Mr Keïta, had spent several months in jail in 2022, according to AFP.
His latest work, which led to his arrest, is titled “Propaganda, Agitation and Harassment – government communication during the transition in Mali.”
In it, he accuses the junta of employing manipulation and “even lies” to influence public opinion in its favor.
Before his arrest, Sissoko had also posted on Facebook advocating for elections to be held.
The junta has faced criticism for failing to adhere to agreed timelines for transitioning to democratic civilian rule, with elections initially scheduled for February being postponed once again.
Critics argue that the military-led government has not effectively addressed the escalating jihadist insurgency, despite reported actions such as deploying Wagner group mercenaries and expelling UN peacekeepers.
Additionally, the administration has been criticized for its management of the economy.
Recently, a “national dialogue” convened, proposing a three-year extension of the transition period.
Over the past year, numerous critics of the junta have been imprisoned, including well-known social media influencer Rokia Doumbia and prominent activist Adama Ben Diarra.
In April, the junta further tightened its grip by suspending political activities and enforcing a media blackout on political coverage.
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