The G16 Regional Security Advocacy Group on Counter Terrorism in Africa has expressed concern over the Government of Mali’s decision to impose targeted financial sanctions on 12 individuals, urging authorities to ensure transparency, due process and respect for fundamental rights while combating terrorism financing.
In a statement, the regional advocacy group said it had taken note of Mali’s Order No. 2026-1409/MEF-SG, issued on June 18, 2026, which directed banks, financial institutions and other regulated entities to freeze the assets and economic resources of 12 individuals suspected of financing terrorism.
Those affected reportedly include journalists, lawyers, political leaders, civic actors and a former judicial officer.
While acknowledging the seriousness of terrorism financing and the responsibility of the Malian government to safeguard national security, the G16 warned that the implementation of the sanctions raises “important questions relating to transparency, due process, proportionality, and the protection of civic space.”
The group noted that the latest sanctions followed an earlier order issued on May 22, 2026, which placed former Member of Parliament and president of the SADI party, Oumar Mariko, economist Étienne Fakaba Sissoko and the Front de libération de l’Azawad on Mali’s national targeted sanctions list.
According to the G16, the developments should be handled with caution given Mali’s fragile political, security and civic environment.
“The security situation in Mali remains serious and complex, with persistent violence involving armed groups and other security threats affecting communities and institutions,” the statement said.
It added that while Mali has a legitimate responsibility to protect its citizens and combat terrorism financing, such measures should be evidence-based, proportionate, transparent and accompanied by safeguards that protect fundamental rights and maintain public confidence.
The advocacy group observed that the sanctions appear to rely on both national legal frameworks and international standards on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and the prevention of weapons proliferation.
However, it stressed that the standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) require targeted financial sanctions to be implemented through focused, proportionate and risk-based measures that do not unnecessarily disrupt the legitimate activities of civil society organisations.
The G16 further noted that the six-month renewable asset freeze was imposed immediately and said it was unclear whether the affected individuals had been granted judicial authorisation, individualised evidentiary review or access to an effective appeals process.
“In light of the impact that such measures can have on the affected persons and on public confidence, the G16 encourages the Malian authorities to ensure that the process is guided by legality, necessity, proportionality, and individualised assessment,” the statement said.
The organisation also cited the FATF’s 2023 revision of Recommendation 8, which calls on countries to avoid disproportionate restrictions on non-profit organisations and civil society actors while addressing terrorism financing risks.
It further referenced guidance from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, emphasising that counter-terrorism measures should not unduly restrict civic space or the rights of civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
The G16 warned that, without adequate legal safeguards and review mechanisms, such sanctions could negatively affect freedoms of expression, association, opinion and the press as guaranteed under the Malian Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Reaffirming its opposition to terrorism and terrorism financing, the group urged the Malian government to disclose the legal and evidentiary basis for the sanctions, guarantee due process and effective review, and reconsider the measures where necessary.
The G16 also reiterated its commitment to promoting the proper implementation of global counter-terrorism standards, including the FATF’s 40 Recommendations, while advocating an open civic space that allows civil society organisations, journalists, legal practitioners and political actors to operate freely within the law.
