Malian Authorities Arrest 6 for Corruption in Djenné Power Plant Project

Malian authorities have arrested six individuals concerning corruption and financial misconduct related to the Djenné Power Plant Project.

Investigating Judge Rachelle Dembélé of the National Economic and Financial Center ordered their detention on March 7, 2025, on charges of forgery, use of fraud, misappropriation of public property, and money laundering.

The case involves a 5.4 billion FCFA mini-micro hydroelectric project in Djenné, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and managed by EDM SA. The initiative was intended to expand electricity access in the region, stimulate the local economy, and improve living conditions.

However, following a report from EDM SA, authorities launched an investigation that uncovered a fraud scheme. According to the investigation, representatives of two Indian companies, MECAMIDIHPP/PRIL and AEEPL-NEPL-SUNCITY, provided falsified bank guarantees, which executives at Ecobank’s Malian subsidiary illegally validated.

Investigators found that the falsified guarantees enabled the embezzlement of funds meant for infrastructure development.

The project coordinator and the manager of a local civil engineering firm are also accused of complicity. The detained Ecobank executives are charged with using their positions to validate the fraudulent documents.

The arrests demonstrate Mali’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring transparency in public projects.

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