Former Mali Intelligence Chief Jailed 15 Years Over Alleged Coup Plot

Ex-Security Boss Convicted After High-Profile Trial

A court in Mali has sentenced the country’s former head of domestic intelligence, Colonel Kassoum Goita, to 15 years in prison after finding him guilty of conspiracy against the government.

The ruling was delivered on Friday following a 10-day trial in which Goita denied all charges and accused the country’s military leadership of corruption and torture.

Prosecutors had accused the former intelligence chief of plotting to overthrow the ruling military government and attempting to destabilize state institutions.

The court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy and conspiracy against the government.

Goita Rejects Charges

Throughout the trial, Kassoum Goita maintained his innocence, insisting he had not taken part in any plot against the government.

He also used the proceedings to accuse Mali’s ruling junta of embezzling public funds and claimed he had been subjected to torture while in custody.

Despite his defense, the court handed down a 15-year prison sentence.

Five other defendants who stood trial alongside him were also convicted, receiving prison terms ranging from seven to 15 years.

Military Coup History

Kassoum Goita played a key role in Mali’s political upheaval in 2020, when he joined military officers who overthrew then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

The coup was led by Colonel Assimi Goita, who is not related to Kassoum Goita despite sharing the same surname.

Following international pressure, the military handed power to a civilian-led transitional government tasked with preparing the country for a return to democratic rule.

During that transition, Kassoum Goita was appointed head of Mali’s domestic intelligence service.

Dismissed After Second Coup

His time in office was short-lived.

In 2021, Assimi Goita led a second military coup, removing the transitional civilian leaders before declaring himself interim president.

Following the takeover, Kassoum Goita was removed from his intelligence post.

Since then, Mali has remained under military-led rule while facing ongoing security challenges and international pressure to restore civilian governance.

Defense Plans to Appeal

Prosecutors had requested a 20-year prison sentence for Kassoum Goita and the other accused individuals.

Although the court imposed a lighter sentence, defense lawyers say they will continue challenging the convictions.

One of Goita’s lawyers said the legal team would pursue every available appeal within Mali before taking the case to international legal bodies if necessary.

The case is the latest sign of continued political tensions within Mali’s military leadership following the country’s successive coups and ongoing transition under junta rule.