A court in Mali has sentenced Issa Kaou N’Djim, a prominent political figure, to two years in prison—one of which is suspended—for making critical remarks about the military rulers of neighboring Burkina Faso. The sentence also includes a fine of one million CFA francs (€1,538 or $1,600), according to a legal source and N’Djim’s family.
N’Djim, a former supporter of Mali’s transitional President, General Assimi Goita, made the controversial comments during a broadcast on Joliba TV News, a local television station. Following the remarks, authorities closed the station in November and imposed a six-month broadcasting ban earlier this month.
Both Mali and Burkina Faso have been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2022, respectively. The two countries, along with junta-led Niger, have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) confederation. Critics have accused the military governments of increasing repression, including silencing journalists, suspending foreign media outlets, and cracking down on dissent.
N’Djim, a former vice-president of Mali’s National Transitional Council (CNT), has been an outspoken advocate for a swift return to civilian rule. However, his criticisms have repeatedly brought him into conflict with the authorities. In December 2021, he received a six-month suspended prison sentence for “undermining the credit of the state” after making “subversive” comments on social media. He was subsequently dismissed from the CNT and restricted from leaving the country.
The recent sentence highlights the challenges faced by critics of military-led governments in the region, as freedom of expression and press freedoms remain under significant strain.