For a full month now, Mountaga Tall, a prominent lawyer, former minister, and staunch advocate for democracy in Mali, has been held incommunicado by state security forces outside any legal framework. His son shares the same fate, alongside other pro-democracy activists, military personnel, and religious leaders. These detentions followed the devastating April 25 attacks carried out by jihadist groups Jnim and separatist faction FLA.
Mamadou Ismaïla Konaté, a Malian lawyer and former Justice Minister who has opposed the military-led government for six years without elections, recently spoke about Tall’s situation, the misuse of anti-terrorism efforts, and the erosion of Mali’s judicial independence. He emphasized his unwavering stance against jihadist terrorism while underscoring the accountability of the transitional authorities. Konaté also explained why he has not joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), led by Imam Dicko.
mountaga tall’s detention: a blatant violation of rights
Question: It has been a month since Mountaga Tall was abducted and held in secret detention by state security forces. His family, lawyers, and the International Conference of Bar Associations have repeatedly called for his release or at least his appearance before a judge, demanding respect for the law. Do you believe the transitional authorities are listening?
Maître Konaté: Personally, I remain skeptical. However, these authorities must acknowledge reason and the law. They must recognize that no individual should be deprived of liberty outside legal boundaries. Even in today’s context, where Mali is not a state governed by the rule of law, we must remind them that the rule of law is measured by how it treats its opponents, critics, and lawyers. It is unacceptable that a citizen—political by nature but foremost a lawyer—has received no visits from doctors, lawyers, or even the president of the Bar Association. After the Bar Association’s strong statement, the military authorities responded by abducting Tall’s son. This escalation is intolerable.
arbitrary detentions under the guise of anti-terrorism
After Mountaga Tall’s abduction, his son and other political opponents, including military personnel and religious leaders, faced the same fate. While military justice claims to investigate suspicions of collaboration with armed groups following the April 25 attacks, no official link has been established between these investigations and the abductions. Yet, the authorities’ implicit strategy—echoed by their supporters—justifies these practices under the pretext of combating terrorism. And shockingly, this narrative appears to resonate with a segment of the Malian population.
To these Malians, we must explain that fighting terrorism cannot justify legal insecurity. A military camp is not a court of law. Legal detention must be justified; arbitrary detention thrives in secrecy. Today, it is Mountaga Tall; tomorrow, it could be anyone else. That is why, even in the fight against terrorism, preserving the legal framework and ensuring justice remains paramount is essential.
Mali’s judiciary: between submission and fear
Question: Beyond this case, we see the Malian judiciary handing down harsh sentences, such as a one-year prison term for former Prime Minister Moussa Mara over a tweet expressing hope for change, while supporters of the transitional government incite violence against pro-democracy activists or target businesses owned by foreigners. Is Mali’s judiciary independent or merely an extension of the transitional authorities?
There is no doubt that the judiciary, which should uphold public order and security, now appears submissive. Judges must realize they serve the state, the nation, and the people—not a regime, however it came to power. Fear should not dictate their actions. Judges today are failing in their duty, betraying the very idea of justice. They must recognize that today’s injustices will be tomorrow’s reckoning.
Question: Do judges have a choice? Are they not also living in fear?
The law allows judges to recuse themselves. Above all, succumbing to fear enables judges to act against their principles, harming both themselves and the concept of justice. They must understand that today’s actions will define tomorrow’s justice.
transitional power under scrutiny
Following the April 25 attacks, the death of Minister Sadio Camara, and the fall of Kidal, some believed the military-led government in Mali was weakened. Yet, the regime does not appear to be faltering as expected.
It is faltering. Terrorism has no place in society; it negates the social contract, the law, and peace. However, it is increasingly difficult to ignore the responsibility of a government that seized power by force and maintains it through force and terror. The growing insecurity faced by citizens cannot be separated from the decisions made by those governing Mali for the past six years without elections.
why not join the cfr?
I oppose the transitional authorities, but I have not joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), led by Imam Dicko. The reason is simple: today, we face a stark choice between the military’s authoritarian rule and the imam’s faction. The imam’s faction, however, cannot be ignored—2012 is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by jihadist groups in northern Mali, including public executions and amputations. While national unity and dialogue are essential to restore peace, certain prerequisites must be met. You cannot emerge from a warzone armed and then sit at the negotiating table as if nothing happened. Similarly, while I vehemently oppose this military regime that violates all rights and freedoms, I cannot align myself with those who resort to terror. There is an absolute prerequisite: we must address 2012. We must confront the unholy alliance between the FLA and Jnim. For me, adherence to fundamental principles that uphold the Republic, democracy, and justice is non-negotiable.
opposition is not treason
The governments of the AES—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—insist that opposing them equates to opposing national sovereignty, aligning with terrorists, foreign interference, or waging media warfare. As a Malian, a patriot, and an engaged citizen, I reject this narrative. What these illegal and fraudulently installed regimes cannot tolerate is being reminded of the law and their own commitments. The true enemies of the nation are those who starve their people while trampling on freedoms and annihilating justice.
