Mali: Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara's reaction after his release from prison

Moussa Mara was released from prison on Saturday, August 1st, ^after a year behind bars. The former Malian Prime Minister had been found guilty of "undermining the credibility of the State and opposing legitimate authority."

Less than 24 hours after his release, the accountant appeared in a video posted on his digital channels. In the recording, he can be heard thanking his mother and his small family who "suffered terribly during his last 52 weeks" without revealing any emotion.

He also expressed his gratitude to his supporters, some of whom came from very far away to visit him.

"I hold no grudges against any human being on this earth."

The former Prime Minister also indicated that he held no resentment towards anyone and that he forgave everyone.

“I would like to glorify the Lord, because I am convinced that nothing happens to us that He has not decided. Human beings are merely tools in God’s hands. That is why I hold no resentment against any human being on this earth. All human beings are God’s creatures, and it is God who activates them. I have no hatred for any judge, any prosecutor, and even less for the authorities. All are in God’s hands. I would therefore like to signify to everyone that I forgive,” Mr. Mara declared, before asking for “everyone’s forgiveness.”

"All those who, during the last few years, have felt hurt by my words, by my actions, I ask for your forgiveness. Let us forgive each other, let us join hands. This is the basis of reconciliation and unity," said the former Malian Prime Minister.

A thought for Mr. Mountaga Tall

He also urged his compatriots to "travel the construction site of humanity" if they want unity and reconciliation.

As a reminder, Moussa Mara was Prime Minister of Mali from April 2014 to January 2015 under President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. He was never a blind supporter of the Transition. This is what led to his legal troubles. His lawyer, Mountaga Tall, is currently missing. He says he is praying to the Lord that the lawyer will be reunited with his family as soon as possible.