The Malian Armed Forces has refuted accusations that soldiers carried out an attack that took place on Feb. 17, in which 24 civilians including women and children were killed. The armed forces denied any involvement in the massacre, which is said to have taken place in Tilemsi commune, Gao region. Press reports indicate a caravan of vehicles carrying migrants across the desert was targeted in the attack, which was carried out jointly with Russian mercenaries.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces asserted in a Feb. 21 statement that the massacre accusations follow similar "unfounded" allegations, which it said originate from terrorist organizations and their sponsors within the area seeking to damage the reputation of the armed forces.

However, Human Rights Watch noted in December that the Mali armed forces, "supported by the Russia-backed Wagner Group," have been involved in numerous killings of civilians within the past year. HRW stated: "Since May 2024, Malian armed forces…have deliberately killed at least 32 civilians, including 7 in a drone strike, forcibly disappeared 4 others, and burned at least 100 homes in military operations in towns and villages in central and northern Mali."

The Wagner Group (recenty rebranded as the Africa Corps) is described by the United Nations as a private military contract group that operates in Mali amid a "climate of terror and complete impunity."

A seeming catalyst for the increase in civilian attacks was the withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from the nation following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2690 of June 2023. Insurgent activity has multiplied since the withdrawal of this force. 

Attacks similar to that at Tilemsi have already occurred previously this year. UN human rights chief Volker Türk stated Feb. 1: “I am appalled by credible allegations that Malian armed forces accompanied by foreign military personnel summarily executed at least 25 people in Welingara village…on 26 January." He raised concerns about the investigatory practices of the armed forces, stating that the UN has "recently corroborated two other killings by members of the Malian armed forces and allied foreign military personnel in which at least 31 civilians lost their lives." Despite this, Türk said his office was “not aware of any investigations by the authorities into these alleged killings."

From JURIST, Feb. 23. Used with permission.