VISIT TO MALI
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My task was made easier by the supply of background materials on Mali in
general and its prison regime in particular by PRI. APT also kindly shared with
me their report on a recent visit to some prisons in May by a member of its
staff. The efforts of Mr. Ahmed Othmani, Chairman of PRI helped in getting
me permission to visit prisons in Mali. Audrey Pascaud of the same body
removed the language barrier between me and the respondents I interviewed
or from whom I gathered relevant information. They are too numerous to
mention, but for being crucial for the success of my mission I must thank
Mr. Cheikhna Detteba Kamissoko, Minister of Justice who gave me
permission to visit any prison or place of detention. Mr. Bourouma Sidibe,
National Director of Prisons and his deputy, Mr. Toure who briefed me on
prisons and their administration in Mali. Mme Diarra Assetou Koite, Head of
Division of Detention, Regulation and Rehabilitation and Administrative
Management, her Deputy Mr. Kamara; Amadon Balma Karembe, Head,
Division de l'Eclucation Surveillee and her deputy Diotie Togola; and Suzanne
Hofstetter, Chief of I.C.R.C. Delegation in Mali added to the background
knowledge useful for my mission. Madam Ouattara and M. Diarra of the
Malian Association of Human Rights organised a meeting of NGOs where we
shared information and ideas. I am much obliged to all of them.