In Mali, seven people have been arrested since the beginning of the week by the Malian intelligence services. Personalities from the media world, but above all from Malian institutions and even from the presidency. Some are still being held, others have been released. Today, armed men broke into the home of former Prime Minister Boubou Cissé.
Two of the seven people arrested by the state security have been released: Sékou Traoré, the president’s chief of staff, and Souhahebou Coulibaly, the director of the state agency Agefau.
However, two others are still being held: Mohamed Youssouf Bathily alias Ras Bath, radio columnist on Renouveau FM and protest activist for the Republic’s collective for defense. Like Aguibou Tall, Deputy Director of Agefau, and brother, or rather half-brother, of the former Prime Minister Boubou Cissé. Some of his relatives believe that it is because of this family link that Aguibou Tall is worried by the authorities.
Oumar Sidibé, spokesman for the crisis unit set up after the arrest of Ras Bath
As for the three other people arrested by the Malian authorities since Monday, their fate is more unclear. was transferred to the Malian Gendarmerie for a preliminary investigation. What none of the official sources that RFI contacted wanted or could confirm.
These arrests, which took place outside all legal frameworks, raise many questions and concerns. The National Human Rights Commission calls on the authorities and reminds them of their legal obligations.
Aguibou Bouaré, President of the National Human Rights Commission
Armed men at Boubou Cissé
Finally, former Prime Minister Boubou Cissé filed a complaint against X. Several men, armed and in civilian clothes, ran into his home on Thursday, in his absence. They attacked his employees and searched his home. His lawyers believe that this incident and the series of arrests are linked.
Maître Ceccaldi, lawyer for former Prime Minister Boubou Cissé
Since the beginning of the week, rumors, mainly driven by publications published on social networks, accuse Boubou Cissé of being behind a conspiracy against the transitional authorities, who is believed to be behind the arrest series. What the former Prime Minister categorically denies.
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