Mali: authorities urged to stop silencing critics and release Moussa Mara
Mali’s conviction of former Prime Minister Moussa Mara, sentenced to two years in prison (including six months suspended) and a symbolic fine of 500,000 CFA francs (€762) to the Malian state, represents a mockery of justice, Amnesty International has warned. Authorities are urged to release Mara immediately, along with all others detained solely for exercising their political opinions.
« The conviction of Moussa Mara underscores the Malian authorities’ blatant disregard for human rights obligations outlined in the country’s Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — treaties Mali has ratified, » stated Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
« Instead of stifling dissenting voices, authorities must halt the escalating crackdown on peaceful opposition and authoritarian practices, releasing all individuals currently jailed for simply expressing their views. The government must uphold and protect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful protest in Mali. »
Moussa Mara, who served as Prime Minister from April 2014 to January 2015 and leads the opposition party Yéléma, was arrested on August 1 and charged with « undermining state credibility, » « inciting public disorder, » and « opposing legitimate authority. »
His arrest followed a July 4 tweet expressing solidarity with detained activists and politicians. In the post, he used the metaphor of a « night » and pledged to fight « by all means » for the « sun to rise. »
« Authorities must end arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and the abuse of the penal system to silence peaceful dissent in Mali. »
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa
Recent cases of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances
The Malian government has intensified its repression of critical voices, targeting journalists and activists.
On May 8, 2025, journalist El Béchir Thiam, a member of Yéléma, was abducted by masked men claiming to be intelligence agents. This occurred a day after he publicly criticized the transitional parliament’s decision to grant the military government a new five-year mandate. Thiam’s whereabouts were unknown until July 17, when his wife filed a missing persons report. He was released on September 26 and allowed to return home.
Activist Clément Dembélé, founder of the anti-corruption group Plateforme contre la corruption et le chômage, was arrested in November 2023 while preparing a press conference to denounce recurring power cuts. He faced charges of « threatening the life of President Assimi Goïta and his family. » Though an investigating judge dismissed the accusations in April 2025 and ordered his release, Dembélé remains arbitrarily detained.
In August and September 2025, the UN Independent Expert on Mali condemned the enforced disappearance of El Béchir Thiam and the arbitrary arrest of Clément Dembélé, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
« The authorities must stop using arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and the penal system to silence peaceful critics. They must ensure fair trials and uphold the rule of law, » Sivieude emphasized.
Other critical voices silenced since 2023
Activist Rokiatou Doumbia (« Rose Vie Chère » or « Tantie Rose ») was arrested in March 2023 for criticizing deteriorating security and rising living costs after the 2020 military takeover. She faced charges of « inciting rebellion, » « undermining state credibility, » and « criminal association, » and was sentenced to one year in prison in August 2023. Though she served her initial term, Doumbia remains arbitrarily detained.
Radio host and activist Mohamed Youssouf Bathily (« Ras Bath ») was arrested in March 2023 after calling the death in custody of former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maïga an « assassination. » In August 2023, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for « false accusation » — for claiming the state committed a crime. Though he served his sentence, Ras Bath was re-indicted in August 2025 on charges including « criminal association, » « undermining state credibility, » and « regionalist, racist, and religious crimes » — all tied to the same remarks. He remains in provisional detention.
Activist and Conseil national de transition member Adama Diarra (« Ben le Cerveau ») was arrested in September 2023 after calling for a return to civilian constitutional rule. He was convicted of « undermining state credibility » and sentenced to two years in prison. In February 2025, a request for provisional release filed by his lawyers was denied, and Diarra remains arbitrarily detained.
Issa Kaou N’Djim, another former Conseil national de transition member, was sentenced to two years in prison in November 2024 after questioning the validity of a statement by Burkinabè authorities regarding a coup attempt. He was arrested following a complaint from Burkinabè officials and charged with « publicly insulting a foreign head of state. »
Background
Mali has been under military rule since the 2020 coup against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. The initially 18-month transition has been extended three times, most recently in April 2025, when authorities announced the dissolution of all political parties and the extension of the transition for another five years.
