Former Malian PM Moussa Mara forced to exit under police escort amid hostility from Malian diaspora in France

Moussa Mara, former Malian Prime Minister and a candidate in Mali’s upcoming presidential election, was escorted from a Vitry-sur-Seine workers’ hostel by police on Sunday after his presence sparked a heated confrontation with residents from the Malian diaspora.

The incident occurred at the Manouchian workers’ hostel in Val-de-Marne, where Mara, currently campaigning in the Ile-de-France region, intended to meet with the Malian community as part of his presidential bid.

Arriving around 7 p.m. with his entourage, Mara was quickly met with opposition. Some residents, discontented with his visit, had reportedly warned him against appearing at the hostel.

“It wasn’t a good idea,” said Ibrahima, a hostel resident, reflecting the sentiment of many within the crowd.

Tensions rose almost immediately upon Mara’s arrival as over 150 residents gathered, blocking his exit and confronting him on what they saw as his role in Mali’s current troubles.

“What did he expect? He is partly responsible for the situation in our country,” one Malian national told Le Parisien.

Initially, a small police contingent was present, but as the situation intensified, they called in reinforcements from across the department and even from Paris.

A source close to the incident stated, “Teams converged from across the department and Paris to de-escalate the situation.” Negotiations ensued between police and the crowd, who were adamant about preventing Mara’s departure.

Eventually, under strict protection, Mara was escorted from the building. According to eyewitness accounts shared on social media, “He exited through a back window and got into a police car.”

The incident left a strong impression on many residents. One remarked bitterly, “History will remember that Moussa Mara was the first former Prime Minister to call French police against the Malian diaspora in France.”

Another added, “We don’t want politicians who have done nothing, especially against terrorism.”

Following a brief stay at the police station, Mara reportedly left Vitry-sur-Seine in a taxi.