The economic and financial crimes court in Mali has delivered its verdict in the "Zone aéroportuaire" case, a high-profile land dispute case involving the former mayor of Bamako, Adama Sangaré. After over two weeks of hearings, the court found Sangaré and several co-defendants guilty of crimes including damage to public property, forgery, and complicity. The case relates to the allocation of land at Bamako's Sénou airport.
Adama Sangaré, along with two former sub-prefects of Kalabancoro, Ibrahim Koïta and Daha Kéita, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison. The former mayor of Bamako's Commune VI, Souleymane Dagnon, who is currently in France for medical treatment, received a 20-year sentence, with an arrest warrant issued for him. Several other defendants, including a real estate promoter, a retired accountant, a transit agent, and a former rural engineering service chief, were also found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison, with five years suspended.
One defendant, Sékou Kéita, a chartered accountant, was acquitted of complicity charges. The eight defendants found guilty were ordered to pay a total of 483,964,000 FCFA to the state for demolition costs of constructions built on the disputed site, as well as 50 million FCFA in damages. The defendants' lawyers have expressed mixed reactions to the verdicts, with some contesting the severity of the sentences and the civil damages awards.
Adama Sangaré's lawyer, Me Ousmane Aldjouma Touré, stated that while his client respected the court's decision, they would appeal the verdict. Touré disputed the civil damages, arguing that the demolition costs should not be linked to the criminal case. In contrast, Me Adama Sidibé, lawyer for the acquitted Sékou Kéita, expressed satisfaction with the verdict.
The prosecution had previously called for sentences of 15 years for Sangaré and the two main defendants, 10 years for the accomplices, and 20 years for Souleymane Dagnon. The case has garnered significant attention in Mali, with many observers watching the developments closely.
The "Zone aéroportuaire" case highlights the complexities of land ownership and allocation in Mali, particularly in the capital city of Bamako. The case has also raised questions about corruption and the involvement of high-ranking officials in land disputes.
The verdicts in the "Zone aéroportuaire" case mark a significant development in Mali's efforts to tackle corruption and land-related crimes. The case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country's land management and allocation processes.
Key points
- Former Bamako mayor Adama Sangaré sentenced to 10 years in prison
- Eight defendants found guilty and ordered to pay damages to the state
- Case highlights complexities of land ownership and corruption in Mali
