Mali

The presence of unexploded submunitions has been reported in two regions of Mali following airstrikes in May 2026. The strikes were claimed by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), although they did not specify the type of munitions used. At the Second Preparatory Meeting for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), State Party Mali rejected the allegations, stating that they are not based on “verifiable, independent, or officially established evidence” and should not be raised without “an impartial and transparent investigation confirming their veracity”.

It is possible that the cluster munitions were supplied to Mali by Africa Corps, which has supported the FAMa in operations against armed groups. If the use of cluster munitions is confirmed, this would violate the prohibitions in Article 1 of the CCM on the acquisition, stockpiling, and use of cluster munitions. If the munitions were used directly by Africa Corps personnel this would still violate the Convention. Mali remains responsible under the CCM for the acts of foreign military actors it contracts, whether or not they are from a State that is itself party to the Convention.

• Mali should urgently conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations of cluster munition use on its territory and publicly communicate its findings.

If the allegations of cluster-munitions use are confirmed:

• Mali should immediately cease any use of cluster munitions on its territory, including by any foreign State acting with its consent or on its behalf, and ensure full compliance with its obligations under the CCM.
• In addition to ending use and destroying any stockpiled cluster munitions under Articles 1 and 3 of the CCM, Mali should report on the extent of cluster munition remnants (CMR) contamination under Article 7.
• Mali should destroy all those CMR on its territory “as soon as possible” in accordance with Article 4(1). Given that Mali’s Article 4 deadline for clearance and destruction expired in 2020, it should request a new deadline of up to five years if areas known or suspected to contain CMR are identified.
• Mali should refrain from assisting, encouraging, or inducing any actor to engage in activities prohibited under the CCM, including by permitting or facilitating the use of cluster munitions by foreign armed forces or other actors operating on its territory.

Click here to download the full "Clearing Cluster Munition Remnants 2026" report for Mali.