Economist lecturer, Etienne Fakaba Sissoko was sentenced by a Malian court to two years in prison, with an additional year served on probation, for his book’s criticism of the military regime.
Sissoko’s lawyer, Ibrahim Marhouf Sacko, announced the verdict and plans to appeal.
Professor Sissoko of the University of Bamako was accused of disseminating false information, damaging the state’s image, and causing division for his book on government communication in Mali during the transition in 2023.
The book reportedly takes a critical look at how the military government swayed public opinion, especially during the “transition” period that was supposed to lead back to civilian rule, by using what it calls propaganda, manipulation, and even lies.
With no new date set, the junta missed their first deadline of March 2024 for a return to democracy.
The use of factual evidence and expert analysis was how Sissoko defended his work at the hearing on May 6.
This isn’t his first run-in with the authorities. Former advisor to the deposed president Sissoko served several months in prison in 2022 for challenging the government’s position on Christmas celebrations and casting doubt on his academic background.
However, Sissoko’s lawyer suggests the real trigger for his recent imprisonment was his public commentary on the economic impact of sanctions imposed on Mali by neighboring West African nations.
