Mali’s military and armed groups committing abuses against civilians: HRW
Summary
Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that Mali’s military and Russian-backed paramilitary forces have killed civilians, breaking international law. Opposition armed groups have also harmed civilians and executed prisoners. The report calls for urgent action to stop these abuses amid ongoing conflict in Mali.Key Facts
- Mali’s military, supported by Russia’s Africa Corps (formerly Wagner Group), has killed and wounded many civilians.
- Armed opposition groups, including the separatist Azawad Liberation Front and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), have tortured and executed captured soldiers.
- HRW interviewed 30 people, including witnesses and soldiers, to prepare the report.
- Two drone attacks by the military damaged a health center and a market, killing and injuring civilians.
- The military and allied militias have killed civilians in other operations without facing punishment.
- From April to August, 49 air strikes by Malian forces and Africa Corps killed 89 civilians, doubling the civilian deaths compared to the previous year.
- HRW asked Mali’s defense minister about these abuses but received no reply.
- The report urges the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to act quickly to stop further violence in Mali.
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