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Mali Former Prime Minister Faces Charges Over Alleged Coup Plan

Mali Former Prime Minister Faces Charges Over Alleged Coup Plan

Mali’s state prosecutor on Thursday charged six people, including former Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, of planning a coup against the interim government.

The alleged crimes include attempts to destabilize and disrupt the current regime, according to a statement by the state prosecutor. Cisse, who hasn’t been detained, denied the allegations in a statement on Dec. 22. His lawyers will file charges regarding his treatment, including a violent arrest attempt, according to a statement on Thursday.

Mali is experiencing a period of political instability following an Aug. 18 military coup that overthrew former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The military junta has since agreed to form a civilian-led interim government. Elections are scheduled for 2022.

The country is also struggling to contain a sprawling Islamist insurgency that has spread into neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso.

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.