Mali’s Former Prime Minister Choguel Maïga Detained In Corruption Investigation

Former Malian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga has been detained on Tuesday by the National Economic and Financial Centre (CENF) as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged mismanagement of public funds, his lawyer confirmed.

The detention follows Maïga’s second summons by the CENF in less than two weeks. He was first questioned on August 1 and returned on Tuesday for confrontations with several former colleagues. Arriving at 9 a.m., Maïga reportedly waited until the early afternoon before being informed of the custody decision.

The case stems from a report by the Office of the Auditor General, which raised suspicions of damage to public property during Maïga’s tenure. Several former senior officials from the Prime Minister’s office are also implicated, including Maïga’s former chief of staff, Professor Issiaka Ahmadou Singaré, and three former administrative and financial directors.

Maïga, a long-time political figure, was appointed in June 2021 as the first civilian Prime Minister of Mali’s military-led transition. He was dismissed in November 2024 by transitional leader General Assimi Goïta, following mounting calls for his resignation from the Collective of Military Defence (CDM). The military faction accused Maïga of high treason after he publicly criticised the junta.

Since his removal, Maïga has remained an outspoken critic of the transitional authorities, maintaining his opposition in public statements. His lawyer, Me Cheick Oumar Konaré, stressed that Maïga is “receiving all due consideration” and “remains presumed innocent until a final judicial decision is rendered.”

Read Also: Niger’s Tchiani Defies EU, Welcomes Sanctioned Pan-African Activist Nathalie Yamb In Niamey

The Kissinger Report: Declassified U.S. Plan To Control Nigeria’s Population, Resources And How Tinubu Is Helping Finish The Job

About The Author

Oluwasegun Sanusi

author

See author's posts