29 October 2026
MALI – The Committee for Justice (CFJ) expresses deep concern over allegations of torture and inhuman detention of civilians at the Hamadoun Bocary Barry military base in Sévaré, Mopti region, Mali, as documented in a Human Rights Watch report published on 22 October 2026.
According to the report, four civilians aged between 30 and 40 were allegedly detained in an overcrowded shipping container under harsh conditions, including extreme heat, poor ventilation, insufficient food and water, and lack of medical care. Three survivors reportedly described being subjected to torture during interrogations, including beatings, electric shocks, simulated drowning and burning.
Particularly alarming are allegations by one survivor that eight detainees died inside the container. These deaths have not been independently verified, and the identities and circumstances of the alleged victims remain unknown. The report also raises concerns over alleged payments made by families in exchange for detainees’ release.
CFJ recalls that the prohibition of torture is absolute under international human rights law and calls on the Malian authorities to:
- Launch an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of torture, ill-treatment and deaths in custody.
- Establish the identities and fate of those allegedly deceased and inform their families.
- Identify and hold accountable those responsible for any violations established by the investigation.
- Ensure medical and psychological assistance for survivors and protect victims, witnesses and their families from reprisals.
- Investigate the alleged payments made in connection with detainees’ release.
The Committee for Justice stresses that all persons deprived of their liberty must be treated with dignity and that allegations of torture and deaths in custody require prompt, effective and transparent investigations. Impunity for such violations must not be allowed to prevail.
