Following two years of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and sexual violence in Mali, the first round of legislative elections is due to take place in the country on Sunday (24 November).

 

Amnesty International’s Mali Researcher Gaëtan Mootoo said:

 

“Legislative elections will be an important step in restoring people’s confidence in the Malian authorities.

 

“But to show they really mean business, the authorities need to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of unlawful killings, forced disappearances, torture and sexual abuse.” 

 

The first round of legislative elections follow peaceful presidential elections in July and August. The second round will take place on 15 December. 

 

Amnesty is publishing a Human Rights Agenda on 30 November to coincide with a visit to Mali by its Secretary General, Salil Shetty. The agenda is calling for an end to human rights abuses by all parties to the conflict and for thorough and independent investigations. 

 

Note to editors

Amnesty International has extensively documented human rights abuses committed during the last two years and has experts available for comment.