A Malian Member of Parliament, Mamadou Hawa Gassama, is facing a potential five-year prison sentence in Ivory Coast on charges of insulting the Ivorian President and disseminating offensive statements online. Gassama was arrested in Abidjan last July during a private visit.
The charges stem from a 2022 interview in which Gassama allegedly described Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara as an “enemy of Mali.” The comments, widely circulated on social media, sparked controversy and led to an investigation by Ivorian authorities.
Prosecutors in Abidjan argue that Gassama’s statements undermined the dignity of the Ivorian head of state. They are seeking the maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a substantial fine, emphasizing the need to protect the image of the President and prevent any rhetoric that could escalate tensions with Mali.
During the trial, the prosecution stated that any attack or statement that harms the institutions of the state must be punished with the utmost severity.
Gassama has acknowledged making the statements and issued a public apology to President Ouattara and the Ivorian people. He claimed he did not realize his comments would cause such controversy and expressed his desire to ease tensions between the two countries.
The case has diplomatic implications, unfolding against a backdrop of strained relations between Mali and Ivory Coast following military coups in Bamako in 2020 and 2021. These coups brought Colonel Assimi Goïta to power.
Analysts suggest a harsh sentence could exacerbate existing tensions. Gassama’s lawyer has warned that the verdict will be closely watched in Bamako and could trigger significant reactions.
With the verdict scheduled for January 30, the case remains a focal point in both Abidjan and Bamako.
DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
