Trending 
Amnesty International has called on fighters linked to al-Qaeda to protect civilians and allow free movement in Mali, warning that a blockade around the capital, Bamako, is worsening conditions for millions of people.
The rights organisation raised concerns on Friday over the impact of the blockade imposed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which has restricted key supply routes into Bamako since April 30. The siege comes as Mali faces renewed instability after JNIM formed an alliance with Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) to target military positions controlled by the ruling junta.
As a landlocked country heavily dependent on road transport for food, medicine and essential supplies, Mali has seen growing disruption to trade and movement following the closure of major routes leading into the capital.
In a statement, Amnesty International said the blockade was having “unacceptable consequences for civilians’ freedom of movement” and warned it could trigger serious violations of rights linked to food security, healthcare and survival.
The organisation also referenced a May 6 attack on a civilian convoy travelling between Bamako and Bougouni in southern Mali. According to Amnesty, the trucks involved “were not under military escort and were not carrying military personnel or equipment”.
Amnesty International’s regional director, Marceau Sivieude, said attacks targeting civilian vehicles were unlawful under international humanitarian law.
“Under international humanitarian law, all parties to an armed conflict must always make a distinction between civilians and combatants,” Sivieude stated.
The blockade has already affected transport operations across the country. Earlier this week, more than a dozen transport companies suspended journeys to and from Bamako due to growing security fears and operational difficulties.
Mali has faced a prolonged security crisis since 2012, with violence involving insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, separatist movements and armed criminal networks continuing to destabilise large parts of the country.
