G16 Urges Mali to Ensure Due Process in Terror Financing Sanctions Against Journalists, Lawyers
By Eyo Nsima
The G16 Regional Security Advocacy Group on Counter Terrorism in Africa (G16) has called on the Government of Mali to ensure transparency, due process and respect for fundamental rights following its decision to freeze the assets of 12 individuals, including journalists, lawyers, political leaders, civil society actors and a former judicial officer, over allegations of financing terrorism.
In a statement issued on the development, the regional security advocacy group acknowledged the seriousness of terrorism financing but stressed that counterterrorism measures must be implemented in a manner that safeguards public trust and protects civic freedoms.
“The G16 takes note of the seriousness of terrorism financing concerns and of the responsibility of the Malian authorities to protect national security and public safety,” the organization said.
The Government of Mali recently issued Order No. 2026-1409/MEF-SG, directing banks, financial institutions and other regulated entities to freeze the assets and economic resources of the affected persons for an initial renewable period of six months.
The sanctions follow an earlier order issued in May 2026, which placed former parliamentarian and SADI party leader Oumar Mariko, economist Étienne Fakaba Sissoko and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad on the country’s national targeted sanctions list.
According to the G16, while governments have a legitimate responsibility to combat terrorism, the implementation of targeted financial sanctions should be accompanied by clear legal safeguards.
“These developments should be approached with particular care, given the sensitive political, security, and civic context in Mali,” the statement said.
The organization noted that Mali continues to grapple with persistent violence involving armed groups, widespread displacement and security challenges that have weakened public confidence and affected stability across the wider Sahel region.
“The Government of Mali has a responsibility to protect its citizens and to take lawful, necessary, and effective measures to prevent terrorism and terrorism financing,” the G16 stated.
It added, however, that, “Such measures are most effective when they are evidence-based, proportionate, transparent, and accompanied by safeguards that protect fundamental rights and public trust.”
The advocacy group observed that Mali’s sanctions framework appears to be based on national legislation as well as international standards relating to anti-money laundering, counterterrorism financing and the prevention of weapons proliferation.
It pointed out that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has consistently advised countries to implement targeted sanctions using focused, proportionate and risk-based approaches that do not unnecessarily disrupt legitimate civil society activities.
The G16 expressed concern that publicly available information does not indicate whether the sanctions were supported by judicial authorization, individualized evidence reviews or accessible appeal mechanisms.
“Based on the information available, it is not clear whether the measure was preceded by judicial authorisation, an individualised evidentiary review, or an accessible mechanism for appeal,” the statement noted.
It added that, “In light of the impact that such measures can have on the affected persons and on public confidence, the G16 encourages the Malian Regional Security & Resilience authorities to ensure that the process is guided by legality, necessity, proportionality, and individualised assessment.”
The organization also referenced the 2023 revision of FATF Recommendation 8, which emphasizes that governments should avoid disproportionate restrictions affecting non-profit organizations and civil society actors while applying targeted counterterrorism measures.
Similarly, it cited guidance from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, which urges governments to ensure that counterterrorism actions do not unnecessarily restrict civic space or the work of human rights defenders.
Warning of broader implications, the G16 said the sanctions could affect constitutionally protected freedoms if adequate safeguards are not maintained.
“The G16 is concerned that, if not accompanied by clear safeguards and accessible review mechanisms, measures of this nature may have significant implications for the enjoyment of freedoms of expression, opinion, association, and the press,” it said.
While reiterating its opposition to violent extremism, the organization declared: “The G16 condemns all forms of terrorism and the financing of terrorism.”
It also reaffirmed that the Malian government has a legitimate obligation to address national security threats but urged greater openness regarding the sanctions.
“The G16 respectfully urges the Government of Mali to provide clear information on the legal and evidentiary basis of Order No. 2026-1409/MEF-SG, guarantee access to due process and effective review, and consider reviewing or revising the measures where appropriate,” the statement concluded.
The group said it remains committed to supporting the effective implementation of global counterterrorism standards, including the FATF’s 40 Recommendations, while advocating for an open civic environment in which journalists, lawyers, political actors and civil society organizations can operate freely within the law across Africa.
