Choguel Kokalla Maïga and Issiaka Ahmadou Singaré have put their skills to work to publish a 329-page book on the life and work of Moussa Traoré, Secretary General of the Malian People’s Democratic Union and President of the Republic. From the preface, the reader is warned of the disappointment and mediocrity of the Third Republic. The authors quote public confessions of those involved in ending the dictatorship of the most bloodthirsty regime in West Africa. They argue that Modibo Keïta, the father of national independence, would be prouder of Moussa Traoré than the actors of the March 26, 1991 movement.
The authors highlight Modibo Keïta’s demand for France to evacuate its military bases from Mali in the name of authentic independence, national sovereignty, and the honor of the national army. They credit Moussa Traoré for refusing to allow the reinstallation of these bases on Malian territory. They criticize their successors for choosing submission and docility towards France. The authors also commend Modibo Keïta for his reforms in the Malian education system and Moussa Traoré for consolidating and improving upon these reforms. They accuse their successors of destroying the education system.
The authors then move on to discuss the role of the army, praising Modibo Keïta for creating a national army that was connected to the people. They credit Moussa Traoré for further developing and equipping the army. However, they argue that their successors, under the influence of France, systematically weakened the army, leading to the collapse of the republic in 2012.
The authors conclude by stating that under Modibo Keïta, stealing was a source of shame, under Moussa Traoré, stealing was feared, and under the democratically elected presidents, not stealing or embezzling state funds became a crime. They believe that the history of contemporary Mali should be appreciated through this lens.
The authors begin the book with a biography of Moussa Traoré, highlighting his achievements and talents. They discuss the coup d’état of 1968, attributing it to internal dissensions within the US-RDA party, the cult of personality, economic difficulties, restrictions on individual freedoms, and frustrations within the army. They explain the role of Moussa Traoré and other officers in planning and executing the coup. They also touch on the strained relationship between teachers and Moussa Traoré’s regime, noting that some teachers chose to express their left-wing activism, leading to their arrest.
The authors refute the idea that the education system was in crisis under Moussa Traoré, emphasizing that classes, exams, and evaluations were always held on schedule. They acknowledge that the National School of Administration and the National School of Magistracy were closed for a year under Moussa Traoré’s regime, but argue that the overall education system did not experience any major disruptions.
The authors then discuss the 23-year rule of the Union of the Democratic People of Mali, highlighting the achievements in defense and security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth development, sports, arts and culture, and international relations.
However, the authors overlook the human rights abuses and atrocities committed under Moussa Traoré’s regime. They briefly mention the arrest, trial, and deportation of two officers who attempted to overthrow Moussa Traoré in 1969, but fail to address the numerous other incidents of torture, death, and imprisonment that occurred during his rule.
In conclusion, the authors present a biased and one-sided view of Moussa Traoré’s presidency, highlighting his achievements while downplaying the human rights abuses and failures of his regime.
