The arbitrary detention of Youssouf Diawara and 11 other opposition politicians by Malian authorities is a violation of their rights to freedom of expression and political participation.
Development Diaries reports that on 12 July armed men in Bamako forced the former coordinator of the Coordination of Movements, Friends and Sympathisers of Imam Mahmoud Dicko (CMAS) out of his car and brought him to the Criminal Investigations Brigade of the Gendarmerie.
The transitional authorities dissolved the organisation in March 2024.
According to a report by Amnesty International, Diawara was brought before a judge on 15 July, and was charged with ‘opposing legitimate authority’ for participating in an unauthorised protest on 07 June.
Under international human rights law, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Mali is a party, citizens can hold opinions without interference and freely participate in political activities.
By detaining these politicians solely for exercising these rights, the Malian authorities undermine the fundamental democratic principle that allows for diverse political opinions and peaceful dissent.
Such actions are indicative of an escalating crackdown on dissent, which stifles political plurality and erodes public trust in governmental institutions.
This kind of occurrence is counterproductive to the development of a healthy, participatory democracy and can potentially incite further instability and unrest within the country.
In addition to violating international human rights standards, the detention of these opposition figures raises the alarm regarding the rule of law in Mali. Arbitrary arrests often bypass due legal processes, denying citizens the right to a fair trial and legal recourse.
The ban on political activity was lifted on 10 July, but human rights, such as the freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and association, are still being increasingly violated.
Development Diaries calls on the Malian government to immediately release Diawara and 11 other opposition politicians who remain arbitrarily detained solely for the exercise of their human rights, and end their judicial harassment of opposition members and dissenting voices.
Source: Amnesty International
Photo source: Michele Cattani/AFP
