Mali Forces, Russian Allies Accused of Killing Civilians in Drone Strikes
Malian forces and their Russian-backed allies have killed scores of civilians in drone strikes and other military operations during an intensified campaign against insurgent groups, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Monday.
In a new report, the rights organisation documented apparent indiscriminate attacks and other abuses by Mali’s armed forces and Russia-controlled Africa Corps, which has supported the military government’s fight against Islamist militants and separatist groups.
Among the incidents cited was an August 19 drone strike on a cattle market in Tombonkore village, in the central Bandiagara region, that killed six civilians and injured at least 20 others. Witnesses told HRW that no armed fighters were present at the market when the strike occurred.
The report also documented a July 29 strike that partially destroyed a health facility in Talahandak village, in the northern Kidal region. HRW said witnesses reported that the facility was providing medical care to civilians.
Separately, the organisation said Malian soldiers killed five girls during a counterinsurgency operation in the Ségou region in July. It also documented killings by allied local militia members.
The findings come amid an escalation in violence following coordinated insurgent attacks on April 25, which killed Mali’s defence minister and targeted several towns and the capital, Bamako.
Mali’s military authorities have increasingly relied on Russian support since taking power in coups in 2020 and 2021. The report identifies Africa Corps, the Russian-controlled force that succeeded the Wagner Group’s role in the country, as a key partner in the military campaign.
However, abuses have also been attributed to insurgent groups. HRW reported that jihadist and separatist fighters tortured and executed at least 19 captured Malian soldiers in July.
The organisation called for independent investigations into abuses by all parties and stronger efforts to protect civilians. The Malian military and Russian authorities had not responded to HRW’s latest findings at the time of reporting.
