Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to intervene and halt the Malian junta’s oppressive measures against political opposition and dissent. This appeal unfolds as Mali grapples with numerous cases of individuals forcibly disappeared or detained under politically motivated circumstances.
Since seizing power in the 2021 coup, Mali’s military junta has launched relentless assaults on political adversaries, peaceful dissenters, civil society, and media outlets. Consequently, numerous political organisations have been disbanded, and many journalists and opponents have faced arbitrary arrests. Politicians exercising their rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and association have increasingly fallen victim to these tactics, alongside rising instances of political figures vanishing without trace.
HRW’s correspondence pointed out that currently “at least 11 people are detained across Mali for politically motivated reasons,” including three members of the African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence party, arrested in June 2023 for exposing military abuses. Despite a ruling from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights demanding their release, these individuals remain incarcerated. The opposition coalition has also suffered, having seen 12 of its members arrested last year, with 11 still facing charges.
Prominent cases illustrate the junta’s harsh tactics: political commentator Issa Kaou N’Djim was sentenced to two years in prison for critical remarks about the junta on national television, while journalist Daouda Magassa remains missing after his abduction in February. Magassa’s disappearance is linked to his role in Imam Mahmoud Dicko’s planned return to Mali, which faced delays due to security concerns.
As a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, Mali is obligated to uphold fundamental liberties. These agreements collectively safeguard the rights to personal liberty, protection from arbitrary detention, freedom of expression, and provide strict prohibitions against forced disappearances.
HRW has urged the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to stop the Malian junta’s crackdown on dissent and political opposition. The junta has attacked civil society, leading to arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances. Significant cases include the detention of political commentator Issa Kaou N’Djim and the abduction of activist Daouda Magassa. Mali, as a signatory to international human rights agreements, is called upon to respect fundamental liberties.
In summary, Human Rights Watch has implored the African Commission to act against the Malian junta’s severe crackdown on political dissent and opposition. The ongoing arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and assaults on free speech have raised significant human rights concerns, with several activists and opposition figures still facing oppression. Mali’s commitments under international human rights agreements mean that safeguarding these rights must take precedence amidst the junta’s actions.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
