Malian basketball insider continues crusade for fairness and truth to prevail
In a persistent battle for justice, Djelika "Mami" Tounkara, a promising basketball player from Mali, continues her fight against the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Despite facing significant setbacks, Tounkara's determination remains unwavering, as she seeks to protect future youth and little sisters in her country.
Tounkara's ordeal began in 2021 when she reported sexual advances from her former head coach at the Malian Basketball Federation (FMBB). The coach was later charged, arrested, and jailed for pedophilia, attempted rape, and molestation in July 2021. However, Tounkara's career has been put on hold for over two years due to death threats she received in Mali, confining her to her house and causing a significant deterioration of her mental health.
Tounkara sought justice within various FIBA legal mechanisms, including the Ethics Panel and the Appeals Panel, without success. The case was then referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled in June 2022 that it did not have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by Tounkara. This decision followed a rejected appeal to FIBA's Appeals Panel in 2024.
William Bock III, Tounkara's lawyer, finds the CAS' decision disappointing, as it only focused on technical details and did not take action to help Tounkara. The case has now been referred back to FIBA's Ethics Panel, with no indication of when a decision on Tounkara's appeal could be issued.
Tounkara's legal team, including Bock, has been working pro bono for years to remedy the opportunities Tounkara believes she was denied due to not participating in the 2021 U18/U19 World Cup. Tounkara claims she was dropped from the squad in August 2021 as retaliation for reporting abuse.
Ahmar Maiga, founder of YPPA-Mali, shares Tounkara's skepticism about FIBA's genuine desire to help. Maiga believes that FIBA prioritizes business and politics over the safety of players, a sentiment echoed by Tounkara, who states that FIBA has not spoken about her safety or the safety of other girls who were abused in Mali.
Despite the challenges, Tounkara remains hopeful for a change that protects future youth and little sisters in Mali. She continues to fight for justice not just for herself, but for all those who have faced similar circumstances. Her resilience serves as a beacon of hope for those who dream of a safer and more just sporting environment.
[1] Sources: Tounkara's lawyers, FIBA, CAS, and various news outlets. The article was edited by Chuck Penfold.
- Djelika "Mami" Tounkara's battle for justice extends beyond basketball, as she advocates for women's health and general news about the safety of youth in her country, Africa.
- The world of sports, particularly basketball, is entangled in the complexities of crime and justice, with the ongoing case of Djelika "Mami" Tounkara highlighting issues of pedophilia and abuse within Mali's basketball system.
- Amidst the ongoing world politics, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and its decision-making bodies like the Ethics Panel and Appeals Panel have come under scrutiny for their handling of Tounkara's case, causing concern in the realms of health-and-wellness and women's health.
- The lack of action from FIBA in addressing Tounkara's case has sparked critical discussions within the science community about the ethics and responsibilities of global sports organizations.
- The saga of Djelika "Mami" Tounkara reflects the broader struggles faced in Africa's politics, as she continues her fight against systemic injustices that reach beyond the basketball court.
- In the dynamic world of sports analysis, the case of Djelika "Mali" Tounkara serves as a stark reminder of the need for a more comprehensive approach to justice and the prioritization of the safety and well-being of all athletes, regardless of race or gender.
