Hamma Ag Mahmoud served as Mali’s Minister of Labor and Public Service from 1986 to 1988 under the military regime of General Moussa Traoré. Later, he held key administrative roles as prefect in several 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, contributing to the 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government.

“The political class has failed”

Based in Mauritania since 2011, Hamma Ag Mahmoud has now officially joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). “We are in a period of deep crisis, and the country is unraveling,” he stated in an interview. “Malians must unite behind a shared vision that reflects the aspirations of all citizens. The CFR has taken the lead, and I believe every Malian should rally behind it to organize a national conference that corrects past mistakes.”

He added, “The emergence of rebellions and jihadist groups in Mali is a direct result of the political class’s failure. Malians need a unifying political project that includes everyone.”

Hamma Ag Mahmoud dismissed concerns about engaging in dialogue with armed groups, including al-Qaeda-linked jihadists like the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM). “If we integrate them into a common project, we can put an end to this,” he asserted. “Restoring good governance will eliminate jihadism and rebellions.”

Sharia vs. Republic: Can a compromise exist?

Over recent months, JNIM has repositioned itself as a political actor in Mali, framing its actions as a defense of sovereignty and local populations. However, its ultimate goal remains unchanged: the imposition of its strict interpretation of Sharia law. Is dialogue with such a group feasible within a republican framework?

Hamma Ag Mahmoud remains optimistic. “Absolutely,” he said. “We must uphold democratic principles—equality, justice—and apply them by involving all Malians.”