Mali: Concern over closures of civil society organizations

We are deeply concerned by the closure of a number of civil society organizations in Mali in recent months, in what appears to be part of increasing restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Since December 2023, at least four organizations have been dissolved, among them Coordination des Mouvements, Associations et Sympathisants de l’Imam Mahmoud Dicko (CMAS) andObservatoire pour les Elections et la Bonne Gouvernance au Mali.

We call on the transitional authorities to allow the disbanded organizations to resume their activities. It is vital for state authorities to protect civic space and ensure full respect for and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the rights to freedom of association and assembly – in line with Mali’s laws and its obligations under international and regional human rights law.