Mali human rights crisis in 2025

The Malian government has intensified restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Political opponents and civil society members have faced arbitrary arrests, detentions, or enforced disappearances. Government forces, allied groups, and armed factions have carried out unlawful attacks and killings against civilians. Several cities have endured blockades imposed by armed groups, while 2,036 schools remain closed due to ongoing conflict.

political and institutional context

After a failed peace process boycotted by political parties, civil society, and certain armed groups, authorities introduced the National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation in February. In April, the five-year political transition period, established after the 2020 military coup, was extended by another five years.

In June, the Wagner Group was replaced by the Africa Corps, a Russian Defense Ministry-affiliated organization, following a new security partnership with Mali.

In August, authorities claimed to have foiled a military coup, detaining several army officers and a French diplomat who was also identified as an intelligence agent.

In September, Mali announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

suppression of free speech and political dissent

The decision to dissolve all political parties highlighted the severe and ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Protests against this decision in Bamako during April and May were violently suppressed by security forces.

enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions

Security forces have abducted activists, civil society leaders, and political figures, holding them in undisclosed locations.

On March 14, Alou Badra Sacko, coordinator of the February 20 Appeal and president of the civil society movement Touche pas à mon argent, was kidnapped in central Bamako by armed men in balaclavas. He was secretly detained after publicly calling for the removal of taxes on mobile money transactions and was released on May 24.

On May 8, El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema Party, was abducted from his home by unknown assailants. The UN Human Rights Council demanded his immediate release; he was freed on September 26. Thiam had been a vocal opponent of the dissolution of political parties and the extension of the transition period.

Also on May 8, masked gunmen driving an unmarked vehicle—posing as gendarmes—kidnapped Alhassane Abba, Secretary-General of the Convergence for Mali’s Development Party, from his Bamako residence. He was released on June 5 without facing judicial proceedings.

political repression and judicial abuse

The UN Human Rights Council called in March for the release of political activists Moulaye Baba Haïdara, Mahamoud Mohamed Mangane, and Amadou Togola, who had been tortured in detention since 2023. They were charged with crimes including undermining state security and threatening national unity.

Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara was arrested in August for posting on X that he would fight by all means for the rights of detained individuals expressing dissent. Charged with undermining state credibility and opposing legitimate authority, he was sentenced in October to one year in prison.

Anti-corruption activist Clément Dembele remained imprisoned despite a court ruling in April to drop all charges against him and order his release. Detained since 2023 for allegedly threatening the president and his family, the UN Human Rights Council demanded his unconditional release in August.

violence by armed groups

Armed factions have carried out unlawful attacks and killings targeting civilians.

In February, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) reportedly killed 34 civilians in an attack on a civil convoy near the village of Kobé, close to Gao, despite military escort.

In May, civil society leader Sidi Barka was abducted by ISGS members in Ménaka; his body was found outside the city in August.

Also in May, Ousmane Kampo, mayor of Konna in the Mopti region, was abducted by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM) while working in his fields. He was released on October 4.

In August, the Macina Katiba launched an attack on Farabougou in the Dogofry commune, seizing military positions and killing civilians, prompting mass displacement. Later that month, the mayor of Dogofry, Modibo Kimbiri, and his driver were killed by traditional hunters who opened fire on their vehicle between Diabaly and Dogofry.

On November 6, in Echell (Tombouctou region), armed group members abducted Mariam Cissé, a well-known social media personality. The next day, they took her to Tonka—her hometown—where she was executed and her body left in a public square.

violations by state forces and allies

Government forces and their partners have committed violations of international humanitarian law, including torture and extrajudicial executions.

On March 16, at least ten civilians were killed in Ejdeïr (Tombouctou region) by a drone strike carried out by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) during a market day.

On April 12, FAMa and Wagner-affiliated forces detained around 100 men, primarily from the Fulani community, at a market in Sebabougou (Kayes region). According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, about 60 were taken to the Kwala military camp in Koulikoro, where they were tortured and later executed. A week later, decomposing bodies believed to belong to some of the victims were found near the camp.

On May 12, ten Malian soldiers accompanied by Dozos militia members arrested between 23 and 27 men at the weekly market in Diafarabé. Blindfolded and bound, the men were taken by pirogue across the river, executed, and buried in mass graves. While the army pledged to investigate the alleged executions, no further details have been made public.

humanitarian and economic rights under siege

The GSIM has continued to impose blockades on key cities such as Gossi, Léré, and Diafarabé, restricting access to food, fuel, and freedom of movement. In July, the group announced a blockade around Kayes and Nioro du Sahel in western Mali and began targeting fuel tankers traveling from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.

education crisis deepens

The education crisis has worsened, with 2,036 schools closed due to insecurity as of June—a rise from 1,984 in June 2024. Over 618,000 children are currently denied their right to education, with the Kidal region experiencing the highest rates of school dropout at 63%.