Bamako, Mali – Issa Kaou N’Djim, a prominent Malian political figure, has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Malian court for criticizing the military rulers of neighboring Burkina Faso.
N’Djim, a former vice-president of the National Transitional Council, made the critical remarks during a television program broadcast on Joliba TV News.
His comments, which were deemed critical of the Burkinabe junta, led to the closure of the television station by Malian authorities. 
This sentencing marks another instance of repression against freedom of speech in Mali, where the military junta has increasingly cracked down on dissent.
Background:
- Mali and Burkina Faso, both ruled by military juntas, have formed the Alliance of Sahel States.
- N’Djim, who initially supported the Malian junta, later advocated for a faster return to civilian rule.
- He has previously faced legal repercussions for his political views, including a six-month suspended prison sentence in 2021 for “subversive” social media posts.
This latest sentencing highlights the growing restrictions on freedom of expression in Mali and raises concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
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