Mali: GSIM Must Uphold International Humanitarian Law to Protect Civilians Amid Ongoing Siege of Bamako
The siege of Bamako, initiated by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), has severely impacted civilian life, restricting movement and threatening essential rights to food, health, and safety. Amnesty International has urged GSIM to adhere to international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.
Siege Details and Impact on Civilians
Since April 28, three primary routes leading to Bamako have been obstructed following GSIM’s declaration of a siege. This non-state armed group, linked to al-Qaeda, has escalated tensions by attacking civilian supply convoys. On May 6, GSIM targeted trucks transporting goods, including fruit, between Bamako and Bougouni. These vehicles were not under military protection and did not carry any military personnel or equipment.
Amnesty International reported that as of May 15, at least three of the six main roads connecting Bamako to regional ports have been compromised, disrupting vital supply lines. Residents and local media have noted a significant increase in the prices of essential goods, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Violations of International Humanitarian Law
On April 28, a GSIM spokesperson publicly announced the siege via an online video. Unlike a previous siege in September 2025, which focused solely on fuel trucks, the current blockade affects all incoming transport to the capital. The ongoing situation raises serious concerns regarding the economic and social rights of the civilian population.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, emphasized that “sieges should not violate the economic and social rights of the civilian population.” He reiterated that GSIM must ensure access to essential resources such as water and food for the residents of Bamako.
UN Calls for Immediate Action
On May 5, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The UN urged all parties involved to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Following this, on May 6, GSIM announced a partial easing of the siege, claiming that individuals seeking medical care would be permitted to travel to Bamako. However, Amnesty International has yet to confirm the implementation of this announcement.
Accounts of Violence and Civilian Casualties
Amnesty International has gathered testimonies from survivors of previous attacks. A fuel truck driver recounted a harrowing experience during GSIM’s earlier siege in September 2025, where GSIM declared an intention to disrupt fuel supplies to Bamako. The driver described a violent ambush on January 29, 2026, involving over 200 armed individuals on motorcycles. He reported that several drivers were executed, and others were captured and forced to dig graves for the deceased attackers.
Sivieude stated that “international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties to the conflict,” calling for an end to all attacks on civilians. He urged the Malian authorities to investigate these incidents as potential war crimes, emphasizing the rights of victims and survivors to seek justice and reparations.
Background Context
On April 25, GSIM, also known as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), launched simultaneous attacks across multiple locations, including Bamako, Kati, Mopti, Sévaré, Gao, and Kidal. These assaults targeted military installations and the residences of prominent Malian officials. Notably, the defense minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in an attack on his home.
On May 6, GSIM also assaulted the villages of Kori Kori and Gomassagou in Central Mali, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Local sources reported at least 40 fatalities and numerous individuals unaccounted for.
For further information, refer to the source: Zawya.
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Published on 2026-05-16 15:25:00 • By the Editorial Desk
