In Bamako, Mali’s high-profile corruption trial over the controversial 2014 purchase of a presidential jet and military equipment resumed on Wednesday, June 5, at the Special Court for Crimes of Economic and Financial Mismanagement.
Former Finance Minister Bouaré Fily Sissoko, one of the main accused, appeared in court after missing Monday’s session due to a reported illness. She is among several officials accused of mismanaging and embezzling over 130 billion CFA francs (approximately $220 million) of public funds.
The prosecution alleges that the purchase of the aircraft and associated military contracts lacked transparency, violated public procurement laws, and led to significant financial losses for the state.
Bouaré Fily firmly denied any wrongdoing, telling the court she acted within her legal mandate and in the interest of national security. The case has stirred public debate in Mali, raising long-standing concerns about accountability, elite impunity, and financial mismanagement within government institutions. The trial is part of broader efforts by Mali’s transitional authorities to crack down on corruption and improve governance in the wake of political upheaval and ongoing insecurity in the country. Proceedings are set to continue later this week with testimony from additional former officials and technical experts.
