On March 27, 2025, Étienne Fakaba Sissoko—a Malian economist, university professor, author, and activist—was released from prison, following a year of arbitrary detention for peacefully expressing his opinions.

Professor Sissoko was arrested by the Judicial Investigation Brigade on March 25, 2024, at his home in Mali’s capital, Bamako. Two days later, he was charged with “harming the reputation of the state,” “defamation,” and “dissemination of false news disturbing the public peace.” Respected human rights organizations widely believe that he was targeted in connection with his recently published book, Propaganda, Agitation and Harassment, Government Communication During the Transition in Mali, in which he is critical of Mali’s military authorities. In May 2024, he was convicted on all charges and sentenced to two years in prison, with one year suspended and a fine of XOF 3 million (approximately U.S. $5,000). Following several delays in his appeal proceedings, Professor Sissoko’s conviction was upheld by the Bamako Court of Appeal in late 2024. He was held in Kéniéroba Central Prison, far from his family and lawyers who reside in the capital.