The ongoing blockade of Bamako is inflicting unacceptable hardships on civilians, threatening their fundamental rights to food, health, and safety, while escalating the risk of severe violations of international humanitarian law. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), an armed faction linked to Al-Qaeda, must immediately cease its actions and ensure the protection of all non-combatants.
Since April 28, three of the six major roads supplying Bamako have been sealed off, cutting off the capital from essential goods and services. On May 6, the GSIM targeted a civilian truck convoy transporting fruits between Bamako and Bougouni. Investigations confirm these vehicles carried no military personnel, equipment, or escorts, violating core principles of wartime conduct.
Violating international humanitarian law is a red line. Amnesty International stresses that all parties in conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants at all times. Attacks on civilian vehicles, infrastructure, or supply chains—critical for survival—constitute war crimes under global legal standards.
Blockades cannot be weaponized against civilian populations. The GSIM’s actions risk plunging Bamako into a humanitarian crisis by cutting off food, water, and medical supplies.
Marceau Sivieude, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Amnesty International
How the blockade breaches the rules of war
The GSIM’s April 28 announcement extended its blockade beyond fuel tankers—unlike its September 2025 campaign—which now targets all commercial traffic entering Bamako. By May 15, three of the six critical supply routes were compromised, with reports of surging prices for staples like rice, flour, and cooking oil. Families are rationing meals as shortages loom.
International law demands accountability. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged an immediate halt to hostilities, emphasizing the obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. While the GSIM declared a partial easing on May 6—allowing medical evacuations—verification of these concessions remains pending.
A survivor’s account of GSIM’s brutal tactics
In late January, a fuel tanker driver survived an ambush near Diboli and Kayes, where GSIM militants executed captured civilians. « Over 200 fighters on motorcycles rained gunfire on our convoy. Military reinforcements arrived, but the jihadists slaughtered the soldiers and torched their vehicles, » he recounted under anonymity. « Twelve drivers and apprentices were held overnight. We dug graves for fallen militants, only to be executed ourselves the next morning. »
This atrocity follows the GSIM’s 2025 declaration that fuel truck drivers would be treated as combatants. Amnesty International condemns the indiscriminate violence and calls for investigations into potential war crimes.
The GSIM must halt attacks on civilians immediately. Authorities in Mali bear the responsibility to investigate these heinous acts and ensure justice for victims.
Marceau Sivieude, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Amnesty International
Escalating violence in Mali
On April 25, coordinated GSIM and FLA attacks struck Bamako, Kati, Mopti, Sévaré, Gao, and Kidal, targeting military bases and political residences. In Kati, Defense Minister Sadio Camara and his family were killed in an IED attack. On May 6, GSIM assaults on Kori Kori and Gomassagou left at least 40 dead and dozens missing, according to local reports.
