
On Tuesday, several former ministers and high-ranking military officials from Mali faced trial for allegedly embezzling millions during the 2014 acquisition of a presidential jet and military equipment.
This case is significant in Mali, as the current military leaders seized power following a coup in 2020, claiming it was necessary to combat the corruption prevalent in the administration of former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, along with his failure to address the threats posed by rebels.
The presidential jet was purchased for $40 million, accompanied by a substantial amount of military arms procured without any prior tender processes.
As a result of this scandal, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suspended financial assistance to Mali for six months.
Former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, who served as defense minister at the time of the purchases, and former Finance Minister Bouare Fily Sissoko were detained in 2021 in connection with the case. They faced allegations of fraud, misconduct, and nepotism.
Maiga, who insisted on his innocence, passed away in prison in March of last year, with his supporters accusing the military junta of negligence leading to his death.
Other individuals implicated in the case include Mahamadou Camara, the former chief of staff to the ousted president.