Geneva, 2 November 2026
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) expresses serious concern over the continued detention of three Malian pro-democracy activists, Aboubacar Soumaré, Moussa “Abba” Djiré, and Ibrahima Taméga, following months of detention and their appearance before the National Specialized Judicial Unit for Cybercrime in Bamako on 20 October 2026, after which they were transferred to the capital’s central prison.
Available information indicates that Aboubacar Soumaré and Moussa Djiré were abducted in Bamako in May 2026 by masked individuals reportedly affiliated with State Security. They were subsequently held in an undisclosed location for several months, outside any publicly known judicial process. Ibrahima Taméga, meanwhile, was formally arrested in May 2026 and remained in detention without being brought before a judicial authority during the initial period of his custody, according to published reports.
The three activists are known for their civic and political engagement advocating a return to constitutional order, the organisation of elections, and respect for the Constitution. Soumaré previously headed the Mali Debout movement, while Djiré led the Yiriwa 223 movement. Taméga was associated with the La Convergence political party.
The circumstances surrounding their initial detention raise serious concerns regarding the right to liberty and security of person and respect for due process. Reports indicating that the detainees have become physically weakened, lost considerable weight, and require medical attention further raise concerns about their conditions of detention and physical well-being.
Despite their appearance before the judiciary and subsequent transfer to prison, published reports indicate that their lawyers had not received the official judicial documents relating to their cases. This situation requires clarification of the charges against each individual and guarantees their effective access to the case files and the right to prepare their defence.
The Committee for Justice stresses that their appearance before a judicial authority does not, in itself, dispel concerns regarding their preceding detention in undisclosed locations, nor does it relieve the authorities of their responsibility to investigate the circumstances of their arrest and detention and ensure respect for their fundamental rights.
The Committee recalls that these circumstances raise serious concerns under Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, concerning the right to liberty and security of person; Article 7, concerning the right to have one’s cause heard and fair trial guarantees; and Article 16, concerning the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical and mental health. Relevant safeguards are also provided under Articles 9, 10 and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Committee for Justice therefore calls on the Malian authorities to:
- Guarantee the safety and physical integrity of Aboubacar Soumaré, Moussa Djiré and Ibrahima Taméga, ensure immediate independent medical examinations, and provide any necessary medical care.
- Guarantee the detainees regular contact with their families and lawyers, and ensure that they receive all official judicial documents relating to their cases.
- Clarify the specific charges against each individual and the legal grounds for their continued detention, while ensuring their right to a fair trial before a competent, independent and impartial judicial authority.
- Conduct an independent and effective investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and undisclosed detention of Aboubacar Soumaré and Moussa Djiré, as well as the conditions of Ibrahima Taméga’s detention before his presentation before the judiciary.
- Release them if there are insufficient lawful grounds for their continued detention and put an end to any arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
- Ensure that they are not subjected to torture, ill-treatment, pressure or reprisals on account of their peaceful activities and views.
The Committee for Justice emphasises that the protection of fundamental rights, including those of individuals who peacefully criticise the authorities, remains a state obligation. All judicial proceedings must fully respect the guarantees of a fair trial and the rights to liberty and security of person.