Malian Activist Aminata Dicko Faces Defamation and High Treason Complaint

The Collective for the Defense of the Military (CDM) has filed a complaint against Aminata Dicko, a prominent human rights defender, accusing her of defamation, slander, and high treason. The complaint, lodged with the prosecutor of the court of commune IV in Bamako on January 30, alleges that Dicko falsely presents herself as a representative of Malian civil society and has made "irresponsible and unworthy false allegations."

The CDM, a group known for its close ties to Mali’s ruling military junta, has previously supported actions against foreign entities, including France, ECOWAS, and MINUSMA, and was instrumental in the suspension of RFI and France 24 in the country.

Dicko reportedly learned of the complaint via social media. On Wednesday, police officers visited her home, but she was absent, and no official documents were left with her husband. The activist is currently consulting with legal advisors on how to respond to the accusations.