According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Abba Alhassane and El Bachir Thiam were seized on Thursday by men who identified themselves as police officers. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

The abductions come at a volatile time for the West African nation, which has been under military rule since a 2020 coup. Just last week, thousands took to the streets of the capital, Bamako, in the largest protest since the junta seized power, demanding a swift return to civilian governance.

Observers say the latest disappearances may signal a hardening stance by the authorities toward dissenting voices. HRW has urged the transitional government to account for the two men and ensure their safety.

“This incident risks fuelling further instability and undermines efforts to restore democratic norms,” the rights group warned in a statement.

The Malian government has not yet issued a response.

Mali has experienced a series of coups and political unrest in recent years, alongside ongoing security threats from armed groups in the north and centre of the country.

--ChannelAfrica--