The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights of Mali has announced the successful transfer of Mr. Yaya Cissé, a Malian national who had been sentenced to death and imprisoned in Mauritania since March 30, 2012. This was made possible under the General Convention on Judicial Cooperation framework signed between the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Republic of Mali.
Yaya was in 2010 accused of murder, he has disputes the charges, claiming he was not in Mauritania at the time of the crime.
In a formal communiqué released on April 17, 2025, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Mr Mamadou Kassogué, confirmed that Mr Cissé had been transferred to a penitentiary facility in Mali at the request of Malian authorities, where he will now serve the remainder of his sentence.
The Minister extended heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Transition and Head of State, General Assimi Goïta, for his remarkable leadership and unrelenting support, which were pivotal in resolving this complex and sensitive case.
The communiqué praised the efforts of Malian institutions, especially the National State Security Agency (ANSE) and the Ministry for Malians Abroad, for their tireless work in reinforcing international cooperation in judicial matters.
Acknowledgement was also given to the highest Mauritanian authorities for their open collaboration. The government of Mali expressed sincere appreciation to diaspora organisations and human rights advocates who supported Mr Cissé during his prolonged detention.
