In a country focus report, EASO aims to provide information focusing on selected topics of particular relevance for international protection status determination (refugee status and subsidiary protection), in this case for Malian applicants. It is not meant to be a general description of the human rights situation in the country, nor a comprehensive overview of all topics at stake in international protection status determination.
This report is divided into three main chapters: the first provides general background information on topics like geography, population, religion or political history, and includes an overview of the main actors in the crisis in northern Mali, as well as an overview of the current political situation in the country. The second chapter describes Mali’s state structure, including its administration, judiciary, and security forces. The last chapter is dedicated to the country’s security situation in the southern regions, namely Kayes, Koulikoro, Ségou and Sikasso.