Mali human rights crisis in 2025

Under the current administration, Mali has seen a severe contraction of fundamental freedoms, particularly regarding freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Political opponents and civil society members face arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and unlawful detention. Security forces, allied militias, and armed groups have intensified attacks on civilians, while militant factions have imposed crippling blockades in multiple urban centers. The conflict has left over 2,000 schools shuttered, depriving hundreds of thousands of children of their right to education.

Political and legal backdrop

The country remains mired in instability following the collapse of a peace process boycotted by political parties, civil society, and certain armed groups. In February, authorities introduced the National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation as a framework for national unity. However, in April, the military-led transition period—established after the 2020 coup—was controversially extended by five years, deepening political tensions.

Security cooperation with foreign entities has also evolved. In June, the government replaced the controversial Wagner Group with the Africa Corps, a Russian Defense Ministry-affiliated organization, under a new bilateral security agreement.

August saw a dramatic escalation when authorities claimed to have foiled a coup attempt, leading to the arrest of multiple military officers and a French diplomat, who was also reportedly linked to French intelligence services. That same month, Mali announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Crackdown on dissent: freedom of expression, association, and assembly

One of the most alarming developments has been the dissolution of all political parties, signaling a systematic suppression of civic freedoms. When protests erupted in Bamako in April and May against this decision, security forces responded with excessive violence, using force to disperse demonstrators in the capital.

Enforced disappearances: a weapon of state repression

Civil society leaders and political activists have been systematically targeted through enforced disappearances. On March 14, Alou Badra Sacko, coordinator of the February 20th Appeal and president of the Touche pas à mon argent movement, was abducted in central Bamako by masked gunmen. He had publicly criticized mobile money transaction taxes before his disappearance. He was released on May 24 after more than two months in secret detention.

On May 8, El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema Party, was taken from his home. His whereabouts were unknown for months until he was released on September 26, following international pressure from the UN Human Rights Council, which had demanded his immediate release. Thiam had been a vocal critic of the dissolution of political parties and the extension of the transition.

Also on May 8, masked individuals claiming to be gendarmes abducted Alhassane Abba, secretary-general of the Convergence for Mali’s Development party, from his Bamako residence. He was released without charge on June 5.

Arbitrary arrests and detentions: silencing dissent

The UN Human Rights Council has repeatedly condemned the detention of political activists, including Moulaye Baba Haïdara, Mahamoud Mohamed Mangane, and Amadou Togola, who have been held since 2023. They face charges such as “undermining state security” and “threatening national unity”, and have reportedly been subjected to torture while in custody.

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

Clément Dembele, a prominent anti-corruption activist, remains incarcerated despite a court order in April for the dismissal of all charges against him. Accused in 2023 of threatening the president and his family, he was arrested and has since been held without due process. The UN reiterated calls for his unconditional release in August.

Armed groups: lawlessness and civilian targeting

Militant factions have carried out unlawful killings and abductions across the country. In February, 34 civilians were killed in an attack by the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) on a civilian convoy near Gao, reportedly while under military escort.

In May, Sidi Barka, a civil society leader, was abducted in Ménaka by EIS members. His body was discovered outside the city in August.

The same month, Ousmane Kampo, mayor of Konna in the Mopti region, was kidnapped from his fields by members of the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM). He was released on October 4.

In August, members of the Macina Katiba launched a deadly attack on Farabougou in the Dogofry commune, killing civilians and forcing mass displacement. Later that month, the mayor of Dogofry, Modibo Kimbiri, and his driver were shot dead by traditional hunters on the road 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, she was taken to her hometown of Tonka and executed, with her body left in a public square.

Alleged war crimes by government forces

State security forces and their allies have been accused of grave violations, including torture and extrajudicial executions. On March 16, a drone strike by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) killed at least 10 civilians during a market day in Ejdeïr, Tombouctou region.

On April 12, FAMa and Wagner-affiliated forces detained around 100 men—mostly from the Fulani community—at a market in Sebabougou (Kayes region). According to the UN Human Rights Office, about 60 were taken to the Kwala military camp in Koulikoro, where they were tortured. Survivors later reported that most were executed and buried in unmarked graves. A week later, decomposing bodies believed to be those of the victims were found near the camp.

On May 12, soldiers and allied Dozos militiamen arrested between 23 and 27 men at Diafarabé’s weekly market, blindfolded and bound them, then transported them by pirogue across the river, where they were executed and buried in mass graves. Despite promises of an investigation, no further details have been made public.

Humanitarian fallout: education and food insecurity

The GSIM has escalated its blockade strategy, restricting access to key cities such as Gossi, Léré, and Diafarabé, thereby violating fundamental rights including food security and freedom of movement. In July, the group announced a blockade around Kayes and Nioro du Sahel in western Mali, further tightening control over fuel supplies from neighboring Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. Tanker trucks traveling in western and central Mali have become frequent targets.

Education under siege

The education crisis has worsened significantly. By June 2025, at least 2,036 schools had been forced to close due to insecurity—an increase from 1,984 in 2024. Over 618,000 children are now out of school, with the Kidal region experiencing the highest rate of school closures at 63%.