In Mali, Colonel Alpha Yaya Sangaré, who was previously removed from the military, was sentenced on September 3, 2026, to 20 years in prison. The ruling came after a trial held in late August by the criminal chamber of the anti-cybercrime judicial division, which handed down a strict verdict. Sangaré was arrested in March 2024 following the release of a book in which he detailed claims of misconduct by members of the Malian army. His case has drawn attention due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the legal framework under which he was tried. The anti-cybercrime judicial division is a specialized court in Mali that handles cases involving digital crimes, such as online defamation, hacking, or the spread of false information through digital platforms. In this case, the court determined that Sangaré’s book contained content that could be considered harmful to the reputation of the military and potentially destabilizing to national security. The charges against him centered on the publication of what the court deemed to be false or misleading information about the armed forces. Sangaré’s removal from the army occurred before his arrest, and his legal troubles have since raised questions about the intersection of military discipline and freedom of expression in Mali. The country has experienced ongoing political and security challenges, and the trial has sparked discussions about the balance between accountability for alleged misconduct and the rights of individuals to speak out about such issues. The 20-year sentence underscores the seriousness with which the court viewed the case, reflecting broader concerns about the spread of information that could be seen as undermining public trust in the military. While Sangaré’s claims were not proven in court, the ruling highlights the legal risks associated with publishing allegations against state institutions in Mali.