Approximately twenty gendarmes, officers and non-commissioned officers, are participating in a capacity-building workshop on the law of armed conflict and human rights, taking place from September 2nd to 3rd, 2026.
Organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), this two-day session focuses on the theme: “The Law of Armed Conflict and Human Rights in Military and Security Operations.”
This training session aims to strengthen participants’ knowledge of the fundamental rules and principles applicable in situations of armed conflict, as well as in the context of security operations.
During the workshop, participants will learn about the ICRC’s mandate and missions. Several topics will also be addressed, including the fundamental rules and principles of the law of armed conflict and human rights. According to the ICRC's delegate responsible for the Southern Zone, Tafsir Seydou Tamba, the objective of this training is not limited to the transmission of theoretical knowledge. It also aims to foster a better understanding of the rules applicable in situations of armed conflict and to reflect on their practical application in the planning and conduct of operations at the tactical level.
Mr. Tamba emphasized that the ICRC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs, contributes to strengthening the capacities of the Malian Armed Forces in the area of the law of armed conflict, particularly through the organization of specialized training.
For his part, the Commander of Gendarmerie Region No. 2, Colonel Mamadou Sangare, reiterated that the law of armed conflict and human rights are not constraints hindering the actions of Malian gendarmes or soldiers. On the contrary, they represent "their compass and their strongest armor."
According to him, a trained soldier or gendarme, aware of the limits set by international and national conventions, is a trusted figure for the populations they are tasked with protecting.
Addressing the participants, Colonel Mamadou Sangare encouraged them to make the most of these two days of workshops.
“During these two days, this workshop will offer you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge, share your experiences, and strengthen your professional reflexes in crisis situations or when maintaining public order. You are the essential link in this culture of respect for fundamental rights within your units,” he stated.
He also urged them to actively participate in the discussions, ask questions, and fully absorb the lessons taught by the experts and trainers.
The Commander of Gendarmerie Region No. 2 concluded by thanking the experts and trainers for their availability and for sharing their knowledge with the participants.
First Class Sidi Mariko
