In Mali, the former Prime Minister Moussa Mara's appeal against a two-year prison sentence has been upheld by the court, with one year of the sentence enforced. Mara has been in detention since August 1 and was initially sentenced in late October for charges that included 'undermining the credibility of the state' and 'opposition to legitimate authority.' The charges stem from a social media post in which Mara expressed a desire to fight to bring about a better future for Mali, stating he wanted the 'sun' to succeed the 'night.'

The appeal court's decision was delivered on Monday morning and has drawn sharp criticism from Mara's legal team, who describe the ruling as unreasonable and a product of unnecessary legal persecution. One of Mara's lawyers, who expressed their displeasure following the verdict, confirmed that they intend to pursue further legal options, including a cassation appeal, which seeks to invalidate the lower court's ruling based on legal errors.

Moussa Mara's sentencing carries significant implications for the political landscape in Mali, particularly as it highlights ongoing tensions between the former government officials and the current authorities. The case underscores the challenges faced by political dissenters in a country already grappling with political and social instability, raising concerns about judicial independence and the treatment of opposition voices in Mali.