Human rights situation in Mali: a deepening crisis in 2025

In 2025, Mali has witnessed a severe deterioration in fundamental rights, particularly the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Opposition figures and civil society members have faced arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Both government forces and their allies, alongside armed groups, have intensified violent attacks against civilians. Additionally, militant factions have imposed crippling blockades in key cities, leaving 2,036 schools closed and disrupting education for 618,000 children.

Political and social context

The country remains trapped in a cycle of instability following the failure of a peace process boycotted by political parties, civil society, and several armed groups. In February, authorities introduced the National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation, aiming to address the crisis. However, in April, the political transition period—initiated after the 2020 military coup—was extended by five years, raising concerns about democratic backsliding.

Security partnerships have also shifted. In June, the Russian-backed Africa Corps replaced the Wagner Group as Mali’s primary military ally, aligning with the government’s security strategy. Meanwhile, authorities reported thwarting a coup attempt in August, leading to arrests of military officers and a French diplomat.

September marked another critical development as Mali announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), further isolating the nation on the global stage.

Suppression of dissent and political freedoms

April and May saw violent crackdowns on protests in Bamako after authorities dissolved all political parties—a move widely condemned as a suppression of democratic freedoms. The decision sparked widespread outrage, but dissent was met with force, illustrating the government’s tightening grip on civic space.

Enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions

The use of enforced disappearances has become a tool of repression. On March 14, Alou Badra Sacko, coordinator of the February 20 Call movement and president of the civil society group Touche pas à mon argent, was abducted in Bamako by armed assailants. His kidnapping followed public calls to eliminate mobile money transaction taxes. He was released on May 24 after two months in secret detention.

On May 8, El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema Party, was forcibly taken from his home. The UN Human Rights Council intervened, demanding his immediate release. He was freed on September 26 after months of uncertainty. Similarly, Alhassane Abba, secretary-general of the Convergence for Mali’s Development Party, was abducted the same day. He was released on June 5 without formal charges.

Arbitrary detentions have also targeted critics of the regime. In March, the UN Human Rights Council called for the release of activists Moulaye Baba Haïdara, Mahamoud Mohamed Mangane, and Amadou Togola, who were tortured in detention since 2023 on charges including undermining state security and damaging national unity.

Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara faced arrest in August for a social media post advocating for detained activists. Charged with undermining state credibility and opposing legitimate authority, he was sentenced in October to one year in prison. Anti-corruption activist Clément Dembele, despite a court-ordered release in April, remains imprisoned after a 2023 arrest on disputed charges.

Violence by armed groups and civilian casualties

Armed factions have escalated attacks, targeting civilians with impunity. In February, 34 civilians were killed in an Islamic State in the Sahel (ISS) attack on a convoy near Gao. In May, civil society leader Sidi Barka was abducted in Menaka by ISS members; his body was later found in August.

Local officials have also been targeted. In May, Ousmane Kampo, mayor of Konna, was kidnapped by Support Group for Islam and Muslims (SGIM) militants while working in his fields. He was released on October 4. The same month, Modibo Kimbiri, mayor of Dogofry, and his driver were killed by traditional hunters in a suspected armed clash.

The brutality reached a horrific peak in November when social media influencer Mariam Cissé was abducted in Tombouctou, taken to her hometown Tonka, and executed publicly the following day.

War crimes and violations of international law

Government forces and their allies have been implicated in grave violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings. In March, a drone strike by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) killed at least 10 civilians during a market day in Ejdeïr, Tombouctou.

In April, FAMa and Wagner-affiliated troops arrested over 100 men—primarily from the Fulani community—at a market in Sebabougou, Kayes. Sixty were taken to Kwala military camp, where they were tortured and subsequently executed. Their bodies were later discovered in mass graves near the camp.

In May, soldiers and traditional hunters executed 23 to 27 civilians in Diafarabé after detaining them at a weekly market. Despite promises of investigations, no updates have been provided.

Humanitarian impact: education and mobility under siege

The Support Group for Islam and Muslims (SGIM) has imposed blockades on cities like Gossi, Léré, and Diafarabé, restricting access to food, fuel, and essential services. In July, the group announced restrictions on fuel imports from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, targeting tanker trucks in western and central Mali.

Education crisis

The education sector has collapsed under the weight of insecurity. By June, 2,036 schools were non-operational—up from 1,984 in 2024—leaving 618,000 children out of school. The Kidal region is the hardest hit, with 63% of children deprived of education.