Two members of Mali’s National Transitional Council (CNT), Moulaye Keita and Biton Mamari Coulibaly, appeared before the National Cybercrime Unit on Thursday, October 2, 2025, to face charges related to inciting violence through social media videos.
The two officials are accused of supporting the government’s highly controversial decision in May 2025 to dissolve all political parties. In the videos, Keita and Coulibaly allegedly incited violence and issued threats against demonstrators who opposed the government’s action. The recordings led to charges of public insult and criminal threats under Mali’s cybercrime laws.
The court has adjourned the hearing until October 27, 2025. In the meantime, the plaintiffs have been ordered to post a deposit of million CFA francs before the proceedings can resume.
Defense lawyers, including Me Mountaga C. Tall, stressed that CNT members, despite their public status, remain legally accountable for acts committed outside their official duties, underscoring the principle of equality before the law.
This trial comes at a politically sensitive time, as transitional leader General Assimi Goïta has indefinitely extended the transition period until peace is restored. The October 27 ruling is being closely monitored by the international community and political observers, as it will be a key indicator of the independence of Mali’s judiciary and the direction of its political future.
MD/ac/sf/lb/abj/APA