Mali charges ex-PM with undermining the state over post on X

The Malian government has charged former Prime Minister Moussa Mara with undermining the state over a social media post. Mara expressed solidarity with opposition figures who were detained after the government dissolved political parties in the country. The charges against Mara come amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Mali, where the military-led government has taken a hardline approach to political opposition. The government has accused Mara of making statements that could "disturb public order" and "undermine the stability of the state." Mara has denied the charges, calling them a "political" move aimed at silencing criticism of the government. The case has raised concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Mali, where the military has tightened its grip on power since a 2020 coup. The situation in Mali remains fragile, with ongoing security challenges and a tense political climate. The charges against Mara are seen by many as a further erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.