On 9 June, a non-state armed group abducted a group of civilians in Diafarabé, in central Mali; the exact number of people kidnapped is not known at this stage. Other 11 civilians from the same locality, including chiefs of villages and elected representatives, remain held near Diafarabé.
Abductions, enforced disappearance and illegal arrests are one of the key identified protections risks requiring immediate attention, according to the Protection Cluster. These incidents highlight the dire protection situation in Mali, with over 6,500 recorded human right violations in the first quarter of 2025.
In a context where over 3.1 million people are in need of protection assistance in 2025, the sector is funded at 12.9% under the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan.