The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission), at its 51st Ordinary Session held from 18 April-2 May 2012 in Banjul, The Gambia;
Recalling its mandate to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in Africa under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter);
Considering that one of the objectives of the African Union as stipulated in Article 3(f) of its Constitutive Act is to “promote peace, security, and stability on the continent”;
Considering Articles 22 and 23 of the African Charter which guarantee the right to security, peace and development, as well as other regional and international human rights legal instruments;
Recalling its Resolution ACHPR/RES.209 (EXT.OS/XI) 2012 on the Human Rights Situation in the North of Mali and Resolution ACHPR/RES.210 (EXT.OS/XI) 2012 on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons Fleeing the Conflict in the North of Mali;
Considering the 6 April 2012 unilateral declaration of the independence of the north by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), a declaration that was not recognized by the regional governments and the international community;
Deeply concerned by the threat to democracy, peace and security in Mali following the attacks carried out against civilian populations and military camps in the north by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and other armed Islamic groups;
Concerned by the current worsening human rights situation in the north of Mali marked by serious and massive human rights violations, in particular the summary execution of soldiers of the Malian army, rape of women and young girls in Gao and Timbuktu, massacre of civilians, and widespread looting of property belonging to the Government and individuals;
Further concerned by the humanitarian consequences of the massive and forced displacement of civilian populations to neighbouring countries as a result of the political instability and the growing threat of terrorism in the north of Mali;
Concerned by the abduction of foreigners in the region, including seven Algerian diplomats recently;
i. Condemns the unilateral declaration of the independence of Azawad by the MNLA;
ii. Condemns the attacks carried out by the MNLA, Ansardine, AQMI and Boko Haram against civilian populations and military camps in the north of Mali;
iii. Condemns the continued conflict which is forcing the displacement of thousands of Malians living in the north of Mali;
iv. Further condemns the illegal occupation of Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu by the various armed groups, and attempts at the balkanization of Mali which undermine the country’s territorial integrity, national unity and social cohesion;
v. Condemns all acts of looting and violence perpetrated against civilian populations;
vi. Condemns the abduction of several foreigners in the region in the past months, including seven Algerian diplomats in Gao;
vii. Welcomes the efforts made by ECOWAS, African Union, and the international community in resolving the Malian crisis towards the restoration of peace and political stability in the Republic of Mali;
viii. Urges the Government of Mali to take all necessary measures to put an end to the conflict and acts of terrorism, and to ensure the security of the civilian population;
ix. Calls on the ECOWAS, African Union and the international community at large to lend their support to the people of Mali in their struggle to preserve the achievements of democracy, national security and the territorial integrity of Mali.
Done in Banjul, 2 May 2012
