Mali's civilian ex-prime minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga, dismissed in November after he criticised the junta, was charged Tuesday with embezzlement of public funds and remanded in custody following a hearing before the country's Supreme Court.

Plagued by jihadist and separatist violence, Mali has been led by the military since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021.

Maiga is accused of "embezzlement of public funds" his lawyer Cheick Oumar Konare told AFP, adding that no date has yet been set for his trial.

"We believe in justice, we are calm while awaiting the trial," Konare said, explaining that Maiga would remain in prison.

Eight of his former colleagues from his time as prime minister had also been placed in custody, although his former chief of staff has been released while awaiting

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