Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali‘s Minister of Labor and Civil Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. He later held prefect positions across multiple regions, including Sikasso, Koulikouro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. In 2012, he joined the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) during the Tuareg rebellion, playing a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.

“political class has failed”

Residing in Mauritania since 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has now formally joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). “We are in a period of crisis, with the country in turmoil,” he declared in an interview. “Malians must unite behind a shared vision that reflects everyone’s aspirations. The CFR has taken the lead, and I believe all Malians should rally behind it to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.”

“The rise of rebellions and Islamist groups in Mali is a direct result of the political class’s failures,” he emphasized. “Malians deserve a unifying political project that addresses their needs.”

sharia and republic: a possible balance?

Over recent months, the JNIM has adjusted its rhetoric, positioning itself as a political actor in Mali. While the group now claims to uphold sovereignty and purports to defend local populations, its core objective remains unchanged: enforcing its interpretation of sharia. Can negotiations with such a group occur within a republican framework?

“Absolutely,” argued the former Malian civil administrator. “Democracy’s principles—equality, justice—must be applied by involving all Malians in the process.”