Former malian minister joins dicko’s coalition amid governance crisis

Hamma Ag Mahmoud, a former Malian minister and civil administrator, has publicly joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), led by influential imam Mahmoud Dicko. His decision comes at a pivotal moment for Mali, as the nation grapples with deepening political and security challenges. Between 1986 and 1988, Ag Mahmoud served as Minister of Labor and Public Service under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré, later overseeing regional governance as prefect in areas such as Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou.

The former official left Mali in 2011 and later aligned himself with the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) during the 2012 rebellion. He played a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace accord between rebel groups and the Malian government.

a call for unity amid national decline

From his base in Mauritania, Ag Mahmoud emphasized the urgent need for collective action. “The country is unraveling,” he said. “Malians must unite behind a shared vision of society where everyone has a place. The CFR has taken the lead, and I believe all citizens should join it to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.”

He criticized the political class for systemic failure: “Rise of rebellions and jihadist groups in Mali stems from the political elite’s inability to deliver governance that serves the people. We need a political project that truly includes all Malians.”

Ag Mahmoud dismissed public skepticism toward engaging with armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaeda. “If we bring them into a national framework, we can end the crisis,” he argued. “Restore good governance, and both jihadism and separatist rebellion will fade.”

can jihadists integrate into a republican framework?

In recent months, the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in Mali, has attempted to rebrand itself as a political actor. While adopting rhetoric around “sovereignty” and claiming to defend communities, its core objective remains the imposition of Sharia law.

Ag Mahmoud insists such groups can be part of a republican solution: “Yes, it’s possible. Principles like equality and justice can apply to all Malians — but only if everyone is included.”