A recent report by Human Rights Watch has shed light on alleged abuses committed against civilians in Mali since the withdrawal of a U.N. peacekeeping mission at the end of last year. The report highlights disturbing incidents involving Mali's armed forces, supported by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group.
According to the report, at least 32 civilians were deliberately killed, with seven fatalities resulting from a drone strike. Additionally, four individuals were kidnapped, and over 100 homes were burned in towns and villages across central and northern Mali since May.
Human Rights Watch also pointed out that jihadi groups in the region have been implicated in the summary execution of at least 47 civilians and the displacement of thousands of people since June. These groups have reportedly engaged in the burning of thousands of houses and the looting of livestock, which are crucial for the survival of nomadic communities in the area.
The report's senior Sahel researcher emphasized that both the Malian army with the Wagner Group and Islamist armed groups have been targeting civilians and their property in violation of the laws of war.
Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has been grappling with an insurgency led by jihadi groups associated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State for more than a decade. Recent military coups in these nations have led to the expulsion of French forces and the engagement of Russian mercenary units for security support.
Wagner's presence in Mali since late 2021, following a military coup, has raised concerns. While the mercenary group was brought in to assist in combating militants after the departure of French troops and international peacekeepers, it has faced accusations of involvement in raids and drone strikes resulting in civilian casualties.
In December of last year, the United Nations concluded its ten-year peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, at the government's request citing inadequacy in responding to the insurgency.
The absence of MINUSMA has made it challenging to obtain comprehensive information on abuses, leading to deep concerns about the situation being potentially worse than reported, according to Human Rights Watch.
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