On February 5, 2023, Mali’s transitional government declared Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali, head of the human rights division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), persona non grata, ordering him to leave within 48 hours.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry, via a statement read by spokesperson Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga on national television, accused Andali of “destabilizing and subversive actions” by selecting “frauds” to represent Malian civil society at a UN Security Council briefing, bypassing national authorities.
Allegations of Bias
The Malian government criticized Andali for inviting Aminata Cheick Dicko, deputy chairman of Kisal, to speak at a January 27, 2023, UN Security Council briefing chaired by Japan.
Dicko accused the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) and their ally, the Wagner Group, of human rights violations that could constitute “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
She urged Mali to sever ties with Wagner, described as Russian mercenaries, and highlighted terrorism, internal displacement, and food insecurity.
Mali’s government claimed Kisal is an unrecognized foreign organization with no legal right to operate, labeling Dicko a “usurper” recruited by Andali to misrepresent civil society.
UN and International Response
On January 31, 2023, UN experts called for an independent investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by FAMA and Wagner, citing reports since 2021 of executions, mass graves, torture, rape, sexual violence, pillaging, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances.
These concerns were directly communicated to Mali’s government.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called the expulsion “regrettable” on February 7, urging Mali to reverse the decision. France also condemned the move, reflecting broader international concern.
Context of Mali’s Actions
Andali, who led MINUSMA’s human rights division since 2013, faced near-expulsion six months prior.
Mali’s junta, in power since a 2021 coup, has a history of expelling foreign officials, including MINUSMA spokesperson Oliver Salgado in 2022, French ambassador Joël Meyer in 2022, and ECOWAS representative Hamidou Boly in 2021.
The government’s sensitivity to criticism, particularly regarding its partnership with Wagner, aligns with its rejection of UN allegations and emphasis on sovereignty.
Wagner Group and Regional Dynamics
The Wagner Group’s presence in Mali, supporting FAMA against jihadist insurgents, has drawn scrutiny for alleged abuses, with former French President François Hollande labeling Wagner “neo-colonial” in 2023.
Mali’s shift toward Russian partnerships followed the 2022 withdrawal of French forces, amid deteriorating relations with Western powers.
The junta’s actions reflect a broader push to control narratives around human rights and security, often clashing with international oversight.
Implications
The expulsion of Andali underscores Mali’s resistance to external criticism and MINUSMA’s monitoring role, complicating UN efforts to address human rights abuses.
The junta’s alignment with Wagner and rejection of Western influence signal a shift in Mali’s foreign relations, potentially exacerbating regional instability as jihadist attacks persist.
The case highlights tensions between sovereignty and international accountability in conflict zones.
