Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali’s Minister of Labor and Civil Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. He later became prefect of multiple Malian regions, including Sikasso, Koulikouro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. In 2012, he joined the independence movement of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), where he played a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.

Political class has failed, says former minister

Having lived in Mauritania since 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has now officially joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). We are in a period of crisis; the country is collapsing, he told David Baché. Malians must unite behind a shared vision where everyone finds their place. The CFR has taken the initiative—I believe all Malians should join to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.

Rebellions and Islamist groups emerged in Mali because the political class has failed, he asserted. Malians need a political project that brings everyone together.

Many Malians remain skeptical or fearful about engaging in dialogue with jihadist groups like Jnim, which is linked to al-Qaeda, and the idea of a potential partition of the country. If we include them in a shared project, I believe we can put an end to this, he argued. Restoring good governance in the country would eliminate both jihadists and separatist rebellions.

Sharia versus Republican values

Over recent months, Jnim has adjusted its rhetoric to position itself as a political actor, particularly in Mali. While the group now embraces the concept of sovereignty and claims to act in defense of local populations, its ultimate goal remains unchanged: implementing its strict interpretation of Sharia law. Is negotiating with such a group possible within a republican framework?

Absolutely, insists the former Malian civil administrator. All democratic principles—equality, justice—must be applied by involving all Malians.