Malian professor jailed for criticizing military junta

A distinguished Malian economist and professor, Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, has received a two-year prison sentence, with one year suspended, due to his criticism of the country's military government. 

Sissoko, who is 41 years old, must also pay a fine of 3 million CFA francs ($4,900; £3,900).

Sissoko has been detained since March and was convicted of defamation and damaging the state’s reputation by allegedly spreading false information. 

These charges stem from a book he released last year, which he defended in court as being factual.

 The current rulers in Mali took power in August 2020 following a coup that ousted then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta amid widespread protests against his handling of jihadist violence.

Sissoko, a professor at the University of Bamako and former adviser to the late President Keïta, had previously been imprisoned for several months in 2022.

The contentious book, titled Propaganda, Agitation and Harassment - Government Communication During the Transition in Mali, accuses the junta of using manipulation and deceit to shape public opinion.

 Prior to his arrest, Sissoko had also made a Facebook post calling for elections.

The military government has been criticized for not adhering to promised timelines for transitioning to civilian rule, with elections originally scheduled for February being postponed once again. 

Critics also point out the government's insufficient response to the escalating jihadist threat, despite deploying Wagner group mercenaries and expelling UN peacekeepers.