Malian Colonel Alpha Yaya Sangaré sentenced to 20 years in prison by Bamako military court

Detained since March 2024, the officer was prosecuted following the publication of his book, "Mali: The Challenge of Terrorism in Africa," in late 2023. The book reportedly contained passages describing alleged abuses committed by the army against civilian populations. Colonel Sangaré was charged with "treason," "undermining the credit of the State," and "dissemination of false news attributed to third parties, likely to undermine the discipline of the Armed and Security Forces."

The trial was held behind closed doors, and the officer denied the charges. His defense sought acquittal, arguing that the elements constituting the alleged offenses were not met. The verdict is significantly less than the death penalty sought by the military prosecutor.

Colonel Alpha Yaya Sangaré had previously been dismissed from the Malian army in December 2025.