From December to March, rights groups have documented instances where the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, collaborated with Malian government forces in central and northern Mali, leading to the deaths of many civilians through raids and drone strikes. Mali has been engaged in a conflict against jihadi insurgents for over a decade, a situation exacerbated by military coups in Mali and neighboring countries.
The presence of Russian mercenaries in Mali, notably after the 2021 coup, has coincided with an increase in violence and deadly operations against civilians. Reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International detail specific incidents, including drone strikes and raids involving Russian mercenaries, resulting in significant civilian casualties. One highlighted event was a raid on a village that led to the execution-style killing of 25 people, including children, who were found blindfolded with gunshot wounds to the head.
Amnesty International noted two drone strikes in northern Mali that killed at least 13 civilians, with victims ranging in age from 2 to 17 years old. Human Rights Watch has pointed out the use of Turkish-supplied drones capable of precise strikes, yet such operations have mistakenly targeted civilian gatherings, including a wedding and a funeral, causing further deaths.
Despite military promises to quell insurgencies, analysts indicate that violence has escalated under their leadership, with jihadist violence stretching the capabilities of their security forces.
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