Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali’s Minister of Labor and Public Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. He later held top administrative roles as prefect across regions including Sikasso, Koulikoro, Ségou, Gao, and Tombouctou. In 2012, he joined 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”

Since settling in Mauritania in 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has now officially joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). In a statement, he highlighted the urgency of the moment: “Mali is in a state of collapse. We must mobilize all Malians around a shared vision of society where everyone has a place.”

“The CFR has taken the lead. I believe all Malians should rally behind it to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.”

“The failures of the political class have fueled rebellions and the rise of Islamist groups in Mali. The people need a political project that unites them.”

Jihadists and the Republic

In recent months, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has shifted its rhetoric, positioning itself as a political actor in Mali. While it now claims to defend sovereignty and the rights of populations, its ultimate goal remains unchanged: to impose its interpretation of Sharia law. Is dialogue possible with such a group within a republican framework?

“Absolutely,” insists the former civil administrator. “All principles of democracy—equality, justice—must be applied by including all Malians.”

Hamma Ag Mahmoud argues that integrating armed factions into a national project could end violence: “If we restore good governance, there will be no more jihadists or rebellions.”