Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has expressed grave concerns about recent developments in Mali. In a statement, Türk highlighted the indefinite postponement of elections and the “alarming intensification of repression” targeting civil society groups. “The laws adopted in recent months risk undermining human rights in Mali for years to come,” Türk warned, urging the transitional authorities to “take immediate and concrete action to repeal these problematic laws.”

Unlimited mandate and arrests of key figures

In July, General Assimi Goïta, who has led the country’s military junta since 2021, enacted a law granting himself an unlimited presidential mandate, effectively becoming President of the Republic. Türk condemned this move, stating, “These legal changes have closed the door on any democratic elections in Mali for the foreseeable future, violating the fundamental right of citizens to participate in public affairs, vote, and stand for election in periodic, fair elections. They must be repealed without delay.”

Earlier, in May, the dissolution of political parties was formalized. The matter is now under review by the Constitutional Court.

Halting the misuse of law against dissent

Simultaneously, prominent civil society activists and former political leaders, including anti-corruption campaigner Clément Dembélé and ex-Prime Minister Choguel Maïga, have been detained. Türk emphasized, “The sharp increase in arbitrary arrests of Malians from all walks of life—often based on vague accusations of undermining state credibility simply for expressing dissent—is deeply troubling.” He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained, stressing the need to “put an end to the misuse of law as a tool against free speech.”