In Mali, civil society groups are calling for the release of activist El Bachir Thiam, whose disappearance has sparked alarm both locally and internationally.

Thiam, a former member of the dissolved Yelema party, has been missing since May 8, 2025, after reports suggested he was taken by state security forces. His current whereabouts remain unknown.

The United Nations has joined the calls for action, with human rights experts urging Malian authorities to immediately release him and respect fundamental freedoms.

The case has heightened concerns over shrinking civic space in the Sahel nation.