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 held prefect positions across multiple Malian 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 and played a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.

“Political class has failed the nation”

Since relocating to Mauritania in 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has officially declared his support for the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). “We are currently in a period of deep crisis, the country is fragmenting,” he explained in a recent statement. “Malians must unite around a shared vision of society where everyone has a place. The CFR has taken the initiative, and I believe all Malians should join this movement to organize a national conference that addresses past mistakes.”

“The emergence of rebellions and Islamist groups in Mali stems directly from the failures of our political class,” he asserted. “The people need a political project that unites everyone.”

Sharia vs. Republican Values

In recent months, the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has attempted to reposition itself as a political actor in Mali. While adopting rhetoric around “sovereignty” and claiming to defend local populations, its core objective remains unchanged: implementing its strict interpretation of Sharia law. Can negotiations with such a group occur within a republican framework?

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

He further argues that “if good governance is restored, jihadist movements and rebellions will fade away.”