Malian forces and Wagner Group commit atrocities against civilians

Since the withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in December 2023, Mali has seen an escalation in violence against civilians, primarily attributed to the cooperation between Malian armed forces and Russian mercenaries known as the Wagner Group. This report by Human Rights Watch highlights a disturbing pattern of systematic abuses, notably in central and northern Mali, where at least 32 civilians have been deliberately killed by these forces. The report indicates that these incidents include various atrocities such as drone strikes that have resulted in civilian deaths, kidnappings, and widespread destruction of homes. Since May 2024, the situation for civilians has dramatically deteriorated, with evidence pointing to a significant rise in abuses amidst increased military operations against perceived threats from jihadi groups. In addition to the casualties inflicted by the Malian armed forces and the Wagner Group, jihadi groups operating in the region have also contributed to the violence. The Human Rights Watch report attributes at least 47 civilian summary executions to these groups, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Mali. Thousands have been forcibly displaced, and many more are left vulnerable due to the destruction of their homes and livelihoods, particularly among nomadic communities reliant on livestock for survival. The rampant violence and instability highlight the challenges faced by civilians who are increasingly caught in the crossfire of the ongoing insurgency and military counterinsurgency efforts. The context for this violence stems from a series of military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which shifted the security paradigm in the region. These juntas, having expelled French forces, turned to the Wagner Group for support, marking a significant change in how these countries are addressing the growing threat of jihadi violence. Since their arrival in late 2021, Wagner forces have been involved in combat operations which claim to target militants, however, this has occurred alongside numerous reports of serious human rights violations. The unchecked military approach adopted by the Malian government and its allies has led to international concern over the escalating abuses and the overall strategy for combating the insurgency. Calls for accountability and a return to respecting international laws of war are becoming stronger as the situation unfolds, with humanitarian organizations emphasizing the urgent need for protection and support for civilians who continue to suffer in this heavily militarized context.