This extraordinary two-month session will tackle a staggering number of cases – around fifty, involving over 180 individuals, some with prominent positions.
One of the most anticipated cases centers around the controversial purchase of a presidential plane and military equipment. Former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga and ex-Minister of Economy and Finance Bouaré Fily Sissoko, both arrested in August 2021, face allegations of embezzlement in this case. Sissoko recently demanded a swift trial to clear his name.
Investigations into the matter uncovered a significant amount of missing public funds. The presidential plane purchase alone is suspected to involve nearly 19 billion CFA francs (approximately $34 million USD) in embezzlement. Combined financial irregularities and fraud in both procurement projects are estimated to total 28.5 billion CFA francs ($51 million USD). However, some sources suggest the military equipment case might not be brought to trial.
Another case attracting much attention is the “SECURIPORT” affair. This involves high-ranking officials like former Security Minister General Salif Traoré and ex-Minister of Equipment and Transport Seynabou Diop. The case revolves around a 2016 contract for an airport security system’s supply and operation.
The session will also delve into embezzlement scandals at state-owned energy company EDM S.A. (Energie du Mali). Investigations revealed substantial financial discrepancies, including missing heavy fuel oil and misappropriations amounting to several billion CFA francs. Two former directors, Oumar Diarra and Koureïchi Konaré, are currently detained in connection with the case. Additionally, Seydou Lamine Traoré, a former Minister of Energy during the transitional period, was arrested in January 2022 for his alleged involvement.
Bakary Togola, the former president of the Permanent Assembly of Mali’s Agricultural Chambers (APCAM), is another high-profile figure facing charges. He stands accused of embezzling funds intended for cotton farmer refunds. This scandal, which has shaken the country’s vital cotton industry, involves over a dozen defendants and billions of CFA francs in misappropriated funds.
The Special Assize Court session signifies Mali’s intensified efforts to combat corruption. The Public Prosecutor of the Bamako Court of Appeal emphasized the importance of magistrates’ commitment to this fight, underlining that only “rigorous and impartial justice will restore public confidence in the institutions.”
Investigations by the Office of the Auditor General and the Accounting Department of the Supreme Court have shed light on the extent of corruption. These trials, scheduled to last until the end of August, aim to deliver justice and hold those responsible accountable.
MD/ac/sf/lb/abj/APA