Mali: Ras Bath and Rose Vie Chère sentenced to seven years in prison

On Monday, August 17, 2026, a Malian court sentenced columnist Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, known as Ras Bath, and activist Rokia Doumbia, known as Rose Vie Chère, to seven years in prison. The decision was handed down by the Criminal Chamber of the Bamako Court of Appeal.

The two defendants were found guilty of, among other things, criminal conspiracy and undermining the state's credit. They were sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, three of which were suspended, and fined 240,000 CFA francs, meaning they must actually serve seven years.

Ras Bath was being prosecuted in a case related to public statements he made concerning the death of former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga. Rokia Doumbia, for her part, was arrested following social media posts that addressed the high cost of living, electricity shortages, and the overall situation in the country.

This decision comes at the end of legal proceedings initiated several years ago. It underscores the commitment of the Malian judicial authorities to uphold the legal provisions governing public statements and activities that could harm the interests of the State.

Yolande Bazié