GENEVA - UN experts* today called on authorities in Mali to disclose the fate and whereabouts of Amadou Diarra and his father Samakono Diarra who were kidnapped from their home in the Kanadjiguila neighbourhood of Commune IV in the Bamako district.
Amadou (39) was kidnapped on 27 November 2024 and his father Samakono (92) was taken on 13 October 2025. Both men were kidnapped by a group of hooded and unidentified individuals suspected of being Malian intelligence agents, specifically from the Agence Nationale de la Sécurité d'État (ANSE) or elements of the gendarmerie of Camp I in Bamako.
"Mali must immediately and unconditionally release Amadou Diarra, his father Samakono Diarra and other victims of enforced disappearance," the experts said.
The alleged abductors, who were driving a black Toyota V8 4x4 with tinted windows and no license plate, took the two victims to an unknown destination. The families and loved ones of Amadou Diarra and Samakono Diarra have received no news about their fate or whereabouts, despite quests and appeals at several Police and Gendarmerie's precincts.
According to information received by the experts, the enforced disappearances of the Diarras were reprisals against the family of Bina Diarra, one of the spokespersons for Jama'at Nustrat al Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). Bina is the younger brother and son of the two disappeared men.
The experts recalled that under international law and Malian legislation, including the Penal Code, no one is criminally responsible except the individual committing the crime.
Samakono Diarra had travelled to Bamako for medical treatment and was residing at his son's home at the time of his enforced disappearance. He was reportedly abducted while he was receiving intravenous treatment.
"As time goes by, his condition could deteriorate further, impacting his physical and psychological health," the experts said.
On 29 October 2025, Cheick Oumar Diarra, another son of Samakono Diarra, filed a complaint for "kidnapping and enforced disappearance" with the Public Prosecutor in the Bamako Commune IV.
"State authorities who detain individuals and refuse to acknowledge that they are in custody or disclose their fate or whereabouts, place them outside the protection of the law and commit the crime of enforced disappearance of persons - as defined in Mali's Penal Code," the experts said. "Such acts constitute an enforced disappearance regardless of the duration of the detention or concealment."
They warned that the enforced disappearance of Amadou Diarra and Samakono Diarra and others is a blatant violation of Mali's international legal obligations.
"Enforced disappearances follow a pattern in Mali. The frequency of the practice, its organised nature and methods used indicate a systematic character," the experts said. "ANSE and the gendarmerie of Camp I in Bamako are acting with impunity and entitlement."
Under Malian law, ANSE is under the direct authority of the President and its agents may not be prosecuted in the performance of their duties, unless they have committed a serious offence through negligence or flagrant violation of procedures. They do not face robust oversight or scrutiny.
"By virtue of functioning directly under the President, ANSE's actions raise questions of criminal liability of superiors under Malian and international law," they said.
The experts are in contact with the Government of Mali about the situation.
