Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali’s Minister of Labor and Civil Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. He later held prefect positions across key 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 pivotal role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement with Mali’s government.

Political class has failed, says former minister

Based in Mauritania since 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has now officially joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). “The country is in a state of collapse, and we are in a period of deep crisis,” he told a local correspondent. “Malians must unite behind a shared vision of society where everyone finds their place. The CFR has taken the lead, and I believe all citizens should rally behind it to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.”

“The rebellions and jihadist groups in Mali exist because the political class has failed,” he asserted. “What Malians need is a unifying political project that includes everyone.”

Many Malians remain skeptical, even fearful, about engaging in dialogue with jihadist groups like the JNIM, which is linked to al-Qaeda, and the prospect of the country’s division. “If we include them in a shared project, I am convinced we can end this,” Hamma Ag Mahmoud argued. “By restoring good governance in Mali, we will eliminate jihadists and separatist rebellions.”

Sharia vs. Republic: Can dialogue work?

Over recent months, the JNIM has adjusted its rhetoric to position itself as a political actor in Mali. While the group now claims to champion sovereignty and defend local populations, its core goal remains unchanged: imposing its interpretation of Sharia. Is negotiating with such an entity possible within a republican framework?

“Absolutely,” the former civil administrator insisted. “Democratic principles like equality and justice must be applied by involving all Malians.”