Human rights situation in Mali in 2025
In 2025, Mali has experienced a sharp decline in civil liberties, including severe restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Political opponents and civil society members have faced arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and unlawful detentions. Government forces, allied militias, and armed groups have carried out indiscriminate attacks on civilians, while some towns remain under siege. The conflict has forced the closure of over 2,036 schools, depriving thousands of children of education.
Political and security context
The country’s political transition, born from a 2020 military coup, has been extended by five years following the failure of a previous peace process boycotted by political parties, civil society, and certain armed factions. In February, authorities introduced the National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation as a framework for resolving the crisis.
Security partnerships have also shifted. In June, the Russian-backed Africa Corps replaced the Wagner Group as Mali’s primary military ally, operating under the Russian Ministry of Defence. This change came amid rising tensions, including a reported coup attempt in August, which led to the arrest of military officers and a French diplomat with alleged intelligence ties.
In September, Mali announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a decision that has raised concerns about accountability for human rights abuses.
Suppression of dissent: a crackdown on freedoms
The dissolution of all political parties in early 2025 marked a turning point in the erosion of democratic freedoms. Protests in Bamako against this measure were violently dispersed by security forces in April and May, escalating tensions between authorities and civil society.
Enforced disappearances: a weapon of repression
Security forces and unidentified armed groups have systematically targeted activists, civil society leaders, and politicians through enforced disappearances.
On March 14, Alou Badra Sacko, coordinator of the February 20th Appeal movement and president of Touche pas à mon argent, was abducted by masked gunmen in central Bamako. He had publicly criticized mobile money transaction taxes before his release on May 24.
On May 8, El Bachir Thiam, leader of the Yelema party, was taken from his home by unknown assailants. After an international appeal by the UN Human Rights Council, he was freed on September 26 following his vocal opposition to the dissolution of political parties and the extended transition.
The same day, Alhassane Abba, secretary-general of the Convergence for Mali’s Development party, was abducted from his Bamako residence by men claiming to be gendarmes. He was released without charge on June 5.
Arbitrary detentions and judicial repression
The UN has repeatedly condemned the detention of political figures, including Moulaye Baba Haïdara, Mahamoud Mohamed Mangane, and Amadou Togola, who have been held since 2023 on charges such as “undermining state security” and “threatening national unity”. Reports indicate they have been subjected to torture.
In August, former Prime Minister Moussa Mara was arrested for a social media post in which he vowed to “fight for the rights of detained individuals”. Charged with “damaging state credibility” and “opposing legitimate authority”, he was sentenced in October to one year in prison.
Anti-corruption activist Clément Dembele remains imprisoned despite a court order for his release in April. Accused of threatening the president and his family in 2023, his detention has drawn international condemnation.
Violence by armed groups: a growing threat
Armed factions have intensified attacks on civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In February, 34 civilians were killed in an Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) ambush on a civilian convoy near Gao. In May, civil society leader Sidi Barka was abducted in Ménaka by EIS members; his body was found in August. The same month, Mayor Ousmane Kampo of Konna was kidnapped by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and released in October.
In August, attacks by the Macina Katiba in Farabougou (Mopti region) led to civilian casualties and mass displacement. Local officials, including Mayor Modibo Kimbiri of Dogofry and his driver, were killed by traditional hunters between Diabaly and Dogofry. On November 6, social media influencer Mariam Cissé was abducted in Echell (Tombouctou region) and executed the following day in Tonka.
Violations by state forces and allies
Government troops and their partners have been implicated in war crimes, including torture and extrajudicial killings.
On March 16, a Malian army drone strike in Ejdeïr (Tombouctou region) killed at least 10 civilians during a market day. In April, FAMa forces and Wagner/Africa Corps allies detained over 100 men, mostly from the Fulani community, in Sebabougou (Kayes region). At least 60 were tortured at the Kwala military camp and later executed; their bodies were discovered days later near the camp.
On May 12, Malian soldiers and Dozos militiamen executed between 23 and 27 men in Diafarabé after detaining them at a weekly market. The victims were blindfolded, bound, and transported by pirogue before being shot and buried in mass graves. Despite promises of an investigation, no further details have been disclosed.
Economic and social rights under siege
The GSIM has imposed blockades on key cities like Gossi, Léré, and Diafarabé, restricting food supplies and freedom of movement. In July, the group announced additional restrictions on fuel imports from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, targeting tanker trucks in western and central Mali.
Education: a generation at risk
The education crisis has worsened, with 2,036 schools closed due to insecurity as of June—up from 1,984 in 2024. Over 618,000 children are now out of school, with the Kidal region facing the highest rate of child dropout at 63%.
