Counterterrorism Operations and International Humanitarian Law in Mali

As counterterrorism operations expand across Mali, humanitarian actors face increasing legal and operational uncertainty. The country’s evolving security environment has further constrained humanitarian space and blurred the line between security imperatives and humanitarian principles.

The IHL Centre’s new legal brief (available in English and French) examines how Mali’s counterterrorism legislation interacts with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and highlights how broad or ambiguous definitions of terrorism can inadvertently restrict impartial assistance or expose humanitarian actors to legal risk. It sets out practical recommendations to preserve humanitarian access, strengthen legal clarity, and ensure that neutrality, impartiality, and independence remain protected in law and in practice.