The Human Rights Watch organization has demanded that Mali's military authorities immediately disclose the location of Montaga Tall, a former minister and lawyer, and his son Sheikh Mohamedou Tall, who were abducted in Bamako six months ago. According to the organization, armed men in civilian clothes abducted Montaga Tall from the capital Bamako on May 2, 2026.
Two weeks later, on May 16, his son Sheikh Mohamedou Tall disappeared after receiving a phone call informing him that he could deliver personal belongings to his father at an undisclosed location. He left his home and never returned. The organization stated that the authorities have not confirmed the detention of either of them and have not provided information about their whereabouts, legal status, or health condition.
Despite repeated requests from the family and the defense, the authorities have not provided any information. There are reports suggesting that Montaga Tall is being held in a secret intelligence facility, but this has not been officially confirmed. The organization also noted that several politicians and their relatives have been abducted by armed men in masks since then, and some are still missing.
In May, Amnesty International called for clarification on Montaga Tall's fate, and on July 10, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances urged Bamako to locate the two men, protect them, and release them in the absence of any legal charges. Montaga Tall held a ministerial position between 2014 and 2017 and initially supported the military authorities before joining their critics, particularly after the decision to dissolve political parties.
The military junta has been ruling Mali since 2021 and has suspended the activities of media outlets, dissolved civil society organizations, and ended multipartism. The organization also mentioned that some politicians and their relatives have been abducted by armed men in masks since then, and some are still missing.
The disappearance of Montaga Tall and his son has sparked international concern, with Human Rights Watch urging the military authorities to provide information about their fate. The organization also called on the authorities to ensure their safety and well-being. The incident has highlighted the human rights situation in Mali, which has been deteriorating since the military took power.
The Malian government has not commented on the statement by Human Rights Watch. The incident has raised concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Mali, and the international community is watching closely for developments in the case.
Key points
- Montaga Tall, a former minister and lawyer, and his son Sheikh Mohamedou Tall, were abducted in Bamako six months ago.
- Human Rights Watch has urged the military authorities to disclose the location of Montaga Tall and his son and ensure their safety and well-being.
