Mali’s National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has raised concerns over the impact of an ongoing heatwave on detainees, particularly in prisons affected by severe overcrowding. In a statement issued on March 12, 2026, the commission said it was closely monitoring the situation with “great concern,” warning that high temperatures could worsen conditions in detention facilities.
The alert follows a forecast by Mali-Météo, which announced a significant rise in temperatures starting March 9. According to the commission, extreme heat could heighten the risk of violations of fundamental rights, including the right to life, health and human dignity for people deprived of liberty.
The CNDH reminded authorities that, under Mali’s Constitution of July 22, 2023, as well as international conventions such as the Convention against Torture, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the state has a legal obligation to ensure the protection of detainees.
The commission called on the government to take urgent preventive measures during the heatwave and continue efforts to improve detention conditions and working conditions for prison staff. It also urged judicial authorities to accelerate the implementation of alternatives to detention to help reduce prison overcrowding.
According to World Prison Brief data published in December 2023, Mali’s prison population was estimated at 10,773 inmates, with 71.7% in pretrial detention. Women accounted for 3.4% of prisoners, while minors represented about 1.3%.
The commission also recalled that 390 prisoners were released in September 2024 under a presidential pardon marking the country’s independence celebrations, stressing that such measures, alongside alternatives to incarceration, could help improve prison conditions in the long term.
Source: AA
