Former Malian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga was taken into police custody on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, by the National Economic and Financial Center (Pôle National Economique et Financier) in connection with allegations of financial misconduct.
The investigation focuses on the management of the Prime Minister’s office and the Universal Access Fund (AGEFAU), based on findings from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG).
The measure follows a hearing held on August 1, 2025, as part of a broader inquiry into misappropriation of public funds and other financial irregularities. According to his lawyer, Cheick Oumar Konaré, Maïga “receives the fullest respect of the brigade’s personnel and is presumed innocent until a possible conviction by the competent courts.”
Konaré added that, although confrontations with some of Maïga’s former colleagues were scheduled for August 12, these did not take place, and Maïga was instead formally notified of his placement in custody.
Alongside Maïga, Professor Issiaka Ahmadou Singaré, his former chief of staff, and three former administrative and financial directors of the Prime Minister’s office were also taken into custody.
The Auditor General’s report highlights a series of alleged irregularities.
These include excessive mission expenses, such as the spending of 15 million CFA francs for a one-day ceremony in Konobougou, far exceeding the stipulated ceiling of 75,000 CFA francs per day. The report also identifies questionable management of the AGEFAU fund, with certain expenditures deemed unjustified and contracts awarded without transparent procedures.
As chairman of the AGEFAU board of directors, Maïga is specifically targeted by these allegations.
During his tenure, Maïga’s management of public funds and contracts has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding transparency and adherence to regulations. Before his dismissal in November 2024, he had openly criticized the ruling military authorities over the extension of the transitional period without consultation.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have emphasised that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The case has drawn significant attention in Mali, given Maïga’s prominence and the potential political implications of the allegations.
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