Influential Malian cleric Imam Mahmoud Dicko, currently living in exile, has confirmed his acceptance of a leadership role in the newly formed Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), per OSINT Tracker Brant Philip on X.

The movement, presented as non-violent and civilian-led, is calling for inclusive national dialogue, an end to civilian massacres, restored media freedom, a shortened transitional period, and renewed regional cooperation to return Mali to constitutional order.

In a report sighted on Tuesday, Dicko said he joined as a “moral referent” after requests from prominent Malian figures. He emphasized the CFR’s goal of unifying all parties—including armed groups such as JNIM and FLA, while explicitly excluding IS-Sahel—in talks aimed at resolving Mali’s protracted conflict.

CFR spokesperson Etienne Sissoko announced the coalition’s creation earlier this week, framing it as a response to governance failures under the military junta led by General Assimi Goïta.

Dicko, who played a pivotal role in the 2020 protests that toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, has remained a vocal critic of the junta from exile. His involvement lends significant moral weight to the coalition, potentially broadening its appeal amid ongoing jihadist insurgencies, humanitarian crises, and strained relations with ECOWAS and AES neighbors.

The CFR’s call for dialogue with signatory armed groups of the 2015 Algiers Accord contrasts sharply with the junta’s military-focused approach, underscoring deepening divisions over Mali’s peace strategy. The junta has not yet issued a response, but observers are closely watching for the impact this new opposition front may have on Mali’s fragile transition.