Hamma Ag Mahmoud, a former minister of Labor and Public Service under Mali’s military regime led by General Moussa Traoré from 1986 to 1988, later served as prefect across key regions including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. Following his political career, he joined the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) during the 2012 uprising, contributing to the 2015 peace agreement between the movement and Mali’s government.

Political class has failed, says former minister

Since 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has resided in Mauritania, where he now announces his alignment with the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). “We are in a period of deep crisis; the country is unraveling,” he told local media. Malians must unite behind a shared vision that includes everyone. The CFR has taken the lead, and I believe all Malians should join 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 failure,” he asserted. People need a united political project where everyone feels represented.“

Dialogue with armed groups: a path forward?

In recent months, the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), linked to al-Qaeda, has shifted its rhetoric to position itself as a political actor in Mali. While the group now invokes the concept of “sovereignty” and claims to defend local populations, its core objective remains unchanged: enforcing its interpretation of Sharia law. Can negotiations with such a group be reconciled within a republican framework?

“Absolutely,” the former civil administrator insists. All democratic principles—equality, justice—must be applied by involving every Malian.“