Update

On March 27, 2025, Malian author and activist Etienne Fakaba Sissoko was released from prison after serving just one of the two years of arbitrary detention he was sentenced to. This outcome follows extensive advocacy efforts, including a letter sent by the Union in July 2024, which was one of 8000 letters urging Mali’s Minister of Justice for Sissoko’s immediate release. 

The Minister of Justice recognized the global pressure during an April meeting with Mali’s Human Rights Commission, highlighting the international support that played a key role in Sissoko’s case. 

“It feels incredible that our efforts have contributed to justice for someone unjustly detained,” said Sigourne Tran, Equity Member at Large. “This outcome reaffirms that even small actions, like writing a letter, can make a meaningful difference.” 

Sissoko expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the individuals who bravely demanded justice on his behalf, acknowledging their crucial role in securing his release. 

  July 9, 2024

In the most recent TRUSU Urgent Action Letter, the Union Urged Mr. Mahamadou Kassogue, Minister of Justice and Human Rights in Mali, to support the release of Étienne Fakaba Sissoko; a university professor and economist convicted and imprisoned for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

  “We find the actions of the Malian Government deeply concerning and a blatant violation of fundamental human rights recognized Internationally. It is our hope that with writing this letter, it will bring attention to the injustices faced by Mr. Sissoko and an immediate and unconditional release will be supported”, states Noori Arora, TRUSU’s Racialized Representative. 

 Following the overthrow of President Keita’s democratically elected government in 2020 and the removal of civilian transitional authorities in May 2021, the uptick of freedom violations and decline of civic freedoms has been evident. The arrest and conviction of Mr. Sissoko highlights this troubling decline of civic freedoms in Mali, including the oppression of expression, press, and the right to information.

 Detained since March 25, 2024, for publishing a book criticizing the Malian Government’s public information campaign for its spread of propaganda, lead to his charges and convictions on May 20, 2024, of defamation and spreading fake news. Sissoko was sentenced to 2 years in jail, and fined XOF 3 million (approx. $6,700 CAD). This underscored the evident need for the Justice and Human Rights minister, to uphold its commitment to fundamental, and globally recognized human right.

  “We call on Minister Kassogue to rectify this injustice, ensure Mr. Sissoko’s release, and provide him access to legal representation and his family. His case is a critical test to Mali’s adherence to national and international human rights standards,” noted Arora.

  The Union eagerly awaits the response of Minister Kassogue on this urgent matter.

  The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.