Malian Lawmaker Sentenced to Three Years in Prison in Ivory Coast for Insulting President Ouattara
An Abidjan court in Côte d’Ivoire has sentenced a Malian lawmaker to three years in prison after finding him guilty of insulting President Alassane Ouattara, a ruling that underscores ongoing diplomatic tensions between the neighbouring West African countries.
The defendant, Mamadou Hawa Gassama, a member of Mali’s National Transitional Council (CNT) — the legislative body under the country’s military-led government — was handed the custodial sentence on January 30, 2026 by the Abidjan-Plateau Court of First Instance. In addition to the prison term, the court also imposed a fine of 5 million CFA francs and ordered a three-year ban on residence in Côte d’Ivoire following the completion of his sentence.
The case stems from remarks Gassama made during an interview with Malian media in September 2022, in which he described President Ouattara as an “enemy of Mali” and a “destabilising force.” Prosecutors charged him with insulting a foreign head of state and disseminating offensive statements online, citing social media circulation of the comments.
Gassama was arrested in July 2025 while on a private visit to Côte d’Ivoire and detained by the Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DST). The defence team argued that the sentence was “excessive, serious and extremely harsh,” pointing out that Gassama had expressed apologies during the trial. His lawyer said they were considering an appeal against the ruling.
The conviction highlights the fragility of relations between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire, which have been strained since a series of military coups in Bamako in 2020 and 2021 brought a junta to power in Mali. President Ouattara has been a vocal critic of the coups, contributing to diplomatic friction between the capitals.
The sentencing also raises broader questions about freedom of expression and diplomatic immunity, as critics argue that criminalising political speech — even when directed at a foreign leader — can fuel tensions and suppress open debate. Authorities in Bamako have not publicly commented on the case, and it remains unclear how the verdict might affect future interactions between the two countries.
For now, Mamadou Hawa Gassama is expected to begin serving his sentence in an Ivorian facility, while legal avenues for appeal are explored by his defence team.
About the Author
