Eleven opposition leaders detained for six months on charges of plotting against Mali’s ruling military junta were released provisionally on Friday.
Their arrest in June followed a meeting deemed “illegal” during a period when political party activities were banned. The group had earlier signed a statement urging the military to relinquish power and restore civilian rule.
The release is seen as a move to ease political tensions in Mali, which has been under military rule since a coup in 2020 and a subsequent takeover in 2021. The decision comes amid criticism of the government’s controversial appointment of General Abdoulaye Maïga as prime minister in November, replacing Choguel Maïga, a civilian who opposed delays to the 2024 presidential election.
Former minister Djiguiba Keita, representing the opposition Party for National Renaissance (Parena), welcomed the release, describing it as part of efforts to reduce political friction. Opposition figure Issa Togo confirmed that the released leaders are now free to resume political activities and travel.
Despite this development, other prominent figures, including former National Transitional Council vice-president Issa Kaou N’Djim and economist Etienne Fakaba Sissoko, remain in detention for their criticism of the military regimes in Mali and its Sahelian allies, Burkina Faso and Niger.
The military government continues to face domestic and international pressure over its extended transition to civilian rule, with many questioning its commitment to democratic governance.