Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali’s Minister of Labor and Public Service between 1986 and 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. He later served as regional prefect in multiple Malian regions including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. In 2012, he joined the independence movement of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) during the Tuareg rebellion, playing a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.

the political class has failed

Based 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 deep crisis,” the former minister stated, “the country is unraveling at the seams. Malians must unite around a shared vision for our society where everyone finds their place. The CFR has taken the lead, and I believe all Malians should rally behind it to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.”

“The rise of rebellions and Islamist groups in Mali stems directly from the failure of our political class,” he emphasized. “Malians deserve a unifying political project that brings everyone together.”

The former civil administrator believes dialogue with armed groups, including jihadist factions linked to al-Qaeda, is essential to restore stability. “If these groups are included in a common project,” he argued, “we can put an end to everything. Restoring good governance in Mali would eliminate both jihadists and separatist rebellions.”

sharia and the republic: can they coexist?

In recent months, the Jnim group has adjusted its rhetoric, positioning itself as a political actor with a focus on Mali. While claiming to uphold “sovereignty” and defend local populations, its ultimate goal remains unchanged: enforcing its strict interpretation of sharia. Can negotiations with such a group occur within a republican framework?

“Absolutely,” the former minister asserted. “All democratic principles—equality, justice—must be applied by involving all Malians.”