Mali’s human rights crisis in 2025: escalating repression and violence

The Malian authorities have intensified restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Political opponents and civil society members face arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and unlawful detention. Government forces, their allies, and armed groups have carried out illegal attacks and killings against civilians, while some armed factions have imposed blockades in multiple cities. As of mid-2025, at least 2,036 schools remain closed due to ongoing conflict, depriving hundreds of thousands of children of their right to education.

Political backdrop and security shifts

Following the collapse of a peace process boycotted by political parties, civil society, and certain armed groups, the government introduced the National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation in February. In April, the political transition period—established after the 2020 military coup—was extended by five years, further delaying democratic restoration.

Security partnerships have also evolved. In June, the Wagner Group was replaced by the Africa Corps, a Russian Defense Ministry-affiliated force operating under a new security agreement with Mali. Meanwhile, in August, authorities claimed to have foiled a coup attempt, detaining several military officers and a French diplomat with alleged intelligence ties.

In September, Mali announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), raising concerns about accountability for human rights violations.

Crackdown on dissent: silencing opposition and civil society

The dissolution of all political parties in early 2025 marked a stark escalation in repression. In April and May, protests erupted in Bamako against the decision, but security forces responded with excessive violence, dispersing demonstrators and detaining participants. This move underscored the government’s systematic suppression of political freedoms.

Enforced disappearances have become a recurring tactic. On March 14, Alou Badra Sacko, coordinator of the February 20th Appeal movement and president of Touche pas à mon argent, was abducted in central Bamako by armed, masked assailants. He had publicly criticized mobile money transaction taxes. After over two months in secret detention, he was released on May 24.

Prominent opposition figures have also been targeted. On May 8, El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema Party, was forcibly taken from his home. The UN Human Rights Council condemned his abduction and demanded his immediate release. He remained missing for nearly five months before being freed on September 26. Thiam had been a vocal critic of political party dissolutions and the extended transition.

The same day, Alhassane Abba, secretary-general of the Convergence for Mali’s Development Party, was kidnapped from his Bamako residence by armed men posing as gendarmes. He was released without charge on June 5.

Arbitrary detentions and judicial repression

Political detainees continue to face torture and prolonged imprisonment without trial. In March, the UN Human Rights Council called for the release of activists Moulaye Baba Haïdara, Mahamoud Mohamed Mangane, and Amadou Togola, who have been held since 2023 on charges including “undermining state security” and “threatening national unity”. Reports confirm they were tortured during detention.

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 dissidents. Charged with “damaging state credibility” and “opposing legitimate authority”, he was sentenced in October to one year in prison.

Anti-corruption activist Clément Dembele, detained since 2023 on charges of “threatening the president and his family”, remains incarcerated despite a court order in April for his release. The UN Human Rights Council renewed calls for his unconditional freedom in August.

Violence by armed groups: targeting civilians and institutions

Armed factions have intensified attacks on civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In February, 34 civilians were killed in an Islamic State in the Sahel (ISS) ambush on a civilian convoy near Gao, reportedly escorted by Malian security forces.

Civil society leaders have been systematically targeted. In May, Sidi Barka, a civil society figure, was abducted by ISS members in Ménaka. Local sources reported his body was found near the city in August.

Elected officials are also at risk. In May, Ousmane Kampo, mayor of Konna (Mopti region), was kidnapped by members of the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (SGIM) while working in his fields. He was released on October 4.

In August, the Macina Katiba launched a deadly assault on Farabougou (Dogofry commune), seizing military positions and killing civilians. The attack triggered mass displacement. Later that month, Modibo Kimbiri, mayor of Dogofry, and his driver were shot dead by traditional hunters between Diabaly and Dogofry.

The violence culminated in November with the abduction and execution of Mariam Cissé, a social media influencer, in Echell (Tombouctou region). Her body was displayed publicly in Tonka the following day.

State-led violations: torture, executions, and impunity

Government forces and their allies have been implicated in grave violations of international humanitarian law. On March 16, a Malian Air Force drone strike killed at least 10 civilians during a market day in Ejdeïr (Tombouctou region).

In April, Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Wagner-affiliated personnel detained over 100 men—primarily from the Fulani community—at a market in Sebabougou (Kayes region). At least 60 were taken to Kwala military camp (Koulikoro region), where they were tortured and later executed. Decaying bodies matching their descriptions were discovered near the camp a week later.

On May 12, Malian soldiers and Dogon militias intercepted 23 to 27 men at a weekly market in Diafarabé. Blindfolded and bound, they were transported by pirogue to the opposite riverbank, executed, and buried in mass graves. Despite promises of an investigation, no further details have been disclosed.

Socioeconomic rights under siege

Armed groups have imposed blockades on key cities, including Gossi, Léré, and Diafarabé, severely restricting access to food, healthcare, and movement. In July, the SGIM announced a blockade around Kayes and Nioro du Sahel, warning of restrictions on fuel imports from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. Tanker trucks traveling in western and central Mali became frequent targets.

Education crisis deepens

The education sector is collapsing under the weight of insecurity. By June 2025, 2,036 schools were non-operational—up from 1,984 in June 2024—leaving 618,000 children without access to schooling. The Kidal region is the worst affected, with 63% of children out of school.