In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks that have struck several towns in Mali, Women in Law and Development in Africa – West Africa (WiLDAF-AO) expresses its deepest sympathy and solidarity with the affected populations, the bereaved families, and the affected communities, particularly the women who have been severely impacted by this violence.

WiLDAF-AO condemns in the strongest terms all forms of violence and terrorism that continue to destabilize the Sahel region, and Mali in particular. These tragic events underscore the urgent need to strengthen the protection of human rights and ensure the safety of civilian populations, especially women and children.

In this context, WiLDAF-AO issues an urgent appeal:

• To the Malian authorities, to strengthen mechanisms for the protection of civilians, ensure immediate, holistic, and appropriate care for victims, and effectively combat impunity;
• To the African Union, to mobilize its peace and security instruments to support a coordinated response to the crisis, including the protection of civilians and the full and effective participation of women in peace processes;
• Regional and international partners to continue and intensify their support, while respecting Mali’s sovereignty, with a view to coordinated, sustainable, and gender-sensitive responses;
• To Malian, regional, and international civil society organizations: strengthen community-based initiatives for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and support for affected women.

WiLDAF-AO wishes to emphasize that women in Mali, who are the pillars of their communities, are not merely victims of these crises. They are also essential actors in conflict prevention, mediation, community resilience, and social reconstruction.

The network thus reaffirms the need to ensure women’s full participation in crisis management, decision-making, and peacebuilding processes, in accordance with regional and international commitments regarding women’s rights.

WiLDAF-AO reiterates its commitment to working alongside national, regional, and international actors for a Mali where every woman can live freely, safely, and with dignity.

Together, let us make the voices of Mali’s women heard.

Solidarity – Justice – Peace

Lomé, 04^th of May, 2026