The political landscape in Mali has been reshaped with the announcement of Hamma Ag Mahmoud’s decision to join the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), a move that underscores growing discontent with the current state of governance.
From military service to political activism
Hamma Ag Mahmoud’s career spans decades of public service, beginning with his role as Minister of Labor and Public Service under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré from 1986 to 1988. Later, he served as prefect in multiple regions, including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. His commitment to national issues led him to participate in the 2012 Azawad independence movement as part of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), where he played a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.
Since 2011, he has lived in Mauritania, a period during which he observed the country’s deepening crises. Today, his decision to align with the CFR reflects a broader call for unity and systemic reform in Mali.
A rallying cry for national unity
In a candid assessment, Hamma Ag Mahmoud pointed to the failures of Mali’s political class as the root cause of the nation’s instability. «We are in a period of crisis, and the country is unraveling at the seams,» he stated. «The only way forward is for all Malians to unite behind a shared vision of society where everyone has a place. The CFR has taken the lead in this effort, and I believe every Malian should join this movement to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.»
He emphasized that the absence of a cohesive political project has fueled rebellions and the rise of Islamist groups like JNIM, which remains affiliated with al-Qaïda. «If you see rebellions and jihadist movements in Mali, it is because the political class has failed,» he asserted. «The people need a unifying political framework where all voices are heard.»
The challenge of negotiating with armed groups
The CFR’s proposal to engage in dialogue with armed factions, including jihadist groups like JNIM, has sparked debate. While many Malians remain skeptical, Hamma Ag Mahmoud insists that inclusion is the solution. «If we involve these groups in a common project, we can end this crisis,» he argued. «Restoring good governance will eliminate the conditions that breed extremism and rebellion.»
JNIM’s recent shift in rhetoric, which includes advocating for «sovereignty» and claiming to defend local populations, has not altered its core objective: the imposition of Sharia law. Yet, Hamma Ag Mahmoud remains optimistic. «All principles of democracy—equality, justice—must be applied by involving every Malian,» he stated. «There is no other path to lasting peace.»
Looking ahead: A call for collective action
His decision to join the CFR signals a critical moment in Mali’s political evolution. As the nation grapples with instability and the lingering threat of extremism, Hamma Ag Mahmoud’s message is clear: unity and reform are essential to reclaiming Mali’s future.
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