Mali Justice Minister Resigns After Activist’s Acquittal.

Mali’s justice minister resigned late Monday following the
acquittal of a popular radio presenter and activist who alleged
that the president and top military leaders were failing to keep
the country secure.

No official reason was given for Mamadou Ismael Konate’s abrupt
departure from the government, but a source close to the minister
told AFP his decision was “related to the Ras Bath case”.

Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, alias Ras Bath, himself a minister’s
son, regularly broadcast tirades against the administration of
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita until his arrest in August
2016.

News of Bathily’s detention led to protests on the streets of
the Malian capital Bamako, and one person was killed and dozens
injured in the ensuing violence, which also caused widespread
damage.

He was cleared of all charges Monday following months of legal
wrangling after being sentenced while out of the country to a year
in prison for “inciting troop disobedience”, a decision overturned
on appeal on Monday.

Bathily, who as well as being a radio presenter is a major
figure in the country’s opposition, had accused Keita of being
unable to manage the Malian army, and also sharply criticised
several senior military figures on his show.

Konate will be replaced by Hamidou Younoussa Maiga, a lawyer,
according to a decree read out on Malian television.

Mali’s justice minister resigned late Monday following the
acquittal of a popular radio presenter and activist who alleged
that the president and top military leaders were failing to keep
the country secure.

No official reason was given for Mamadou Ismael Konate’s abrupt
departure from the government, but a source close to the minister
told AFP his decision was “related to the Ras Bath case”.

Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, alias Ras Bath, himself a minister’s
son, regularly broadcast tirades against the administration of
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita until his arrest in August
2016.

News of Bathily’s detention led to protests on the streets of
the Malian capital Bamako, and one person was killed and dozens
injured in the ensuing violence, which also caused widespread
damage.

He was cleared of all charges Monday following months of legal
wrangling after being sentenced while out of the country to a year
in prison for “inciting troop disobedience”, a decision overturned
on appeal on Monday.

Bathily, who as well as being a radio presenter is a major
figure in the country’s opposition, had accused Keita of being
unable to manage the Malian army, and also sharply criticised
several senior military figures on his show.

Konate will be replaced by Hamidou Younoussa Maiga, a lawyer,
according to a decree read out on Malian television.