Mali Court Sentences Professor for Criticizing Government

Mali’s court sentenced economist Etienne Fakaba Sissoko to two years in prison, with one year suspended, for criticizing the military junta in his book.

Sissoko, a professor at the University of Bamako, faced charges of harming the state’s reputation, defamation, and spreading misinformation for his 2023 book on government communication during Mali’s transition.

The book scrutinizes the military government’s use of propaganda, manipulation, and deception to mold public opinion. Sissoko’s lawyer, Ibrahim Marhouf Sacko, revealed the verdict and intends to appeal.

His past clashes with authorities involve criticizing the government’s stance on Christmas celebrations in 2022 and questioning his academic qualifications.