Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Minister of Labor and Civil Service between 1986 and 1988 under Mali’s military regime led by 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, playing a key role in negotiating the 2015 peace accord with Mali’s government.

‘The political class has failed’

Since relocating to Mauritania in 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has announced his formal alignment with the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). “We are in a critical period of crisis; the country is fracturing,” he told David Baché. “Malians must unite behind a shared vision of society where everyone belongs. The CFR has taken the initiative, and I believe all Malians should join them to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.”

“Look at the rebellions and jihadist movements in Mali—this is the direct result of the political class’s failure,” he asserted. “Malians deserve a unifying political project that includes everyone.”

Sharia vs. Republic: Can dialogue work?

In recent months, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has softened its rhetoric to position itself as a political actor in Mali. While claiming to defend national sovereignty and local populations, its core objective remains unchanged: enforcing strict Sharia law. Is negotiating with such a group even possible within a republican framework?

“Absolutely,” the former civil administrator insisted. “Democracy’s principles—equality, justice—must apply to all Malians. Inclusivity is the only way forward.”