Human Rights Watch warned of the seriousness of the violations recorded in the State of Mali, and said in a report published on Monday that the Malian army and the Russian “African Corps” killed and wounded civilians in attacks and during detention, and Al-Qaeda fighters and rebels tortured and executed captured Malian soldiers.
The organization explained, in the report covering the period from July to mid-September, that these violations were recorded during military operations that came in response to coordinated attacks launched by the “Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims” and the “Front for the Liberation of Azawad” on April 25, which sought to overthrow the military junta led by General Asimi Goita.
The organization said that the Russian army and the African Legion responded with air strikes that killed civilians, and with reprisals against communities accused of collaborating with Al-Qaeda militants and Tuareg rebels from the Front for the Liberation of Azawad.
The organization documented the killing of 6 men between the ages of 21 and 54, and the injury of at least 20 others, on August 19, in a likely drone strike that targeted a livestock market in Tumbunkuri in the Bandiagara region. Witnesses said that there were no fighters at the scene, while the army announced that it had struck a “nest of terrorists” and “neutralized” about 20 of them.
On July 12, 2026, Malian soldiers shot 5 girls between the ages of 10 and 13 who were harvesting rice in Nyono, Ségou region; Which resulted in their deaths. The army later apologized, saying it thought they were attackers. As of mid-September, no investigation had been opened and no compensation had been provided, according to the organization.
On July 29, a Shahed-like drone partially destroyed a health center in Talahandek, Kidal region, near the Algerian border. The organization quoted a health worker as saying that fighters did not use the center “under any circumstances.” Members of the “Dozo” militia also killed 3 men from the Flan ethnicity in Djeni, Mopti region, on July 27 and 28, 2026. They were targeted, according to witnesses. Because of their ethnic affiliation.
On the other hand, the organization said that on July 18, 2026, fighters from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims and the Front for the Liberation of Azawad attacked an army convoy and the Legion in the state of Tabrishat in the Gao region, and that at least 19 soldiers who had surrendered were tortured and executed. A soldier who survived said that more than 50 soldiers were missing. Amnesty International documented the executions, and Human Rights Watch reviewed video clips showing surrendering soldiers being beaten and shot, but it was unable to determine who carried out the execution. The group’s “Sharia Committee” responded with a letter on September 30, in which it said that the killing of prisoners “actually occurred” but that it “did not issue the order for it.” In a letter on September 20, the Front for the Liberation of Azawad “categorically” denied that its forces carried out the execution.
The organization relied on ACLED data (the Armed Conflict Locations and Events Data Project) for the period last April and August to confirm that 49 air strikes by the army and the Corps killed 89 civilians, compared to 22 raids and 44 deaths in the same period in 2025, and the army killed 268 civilians, and the “Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims” 134. The organization called on the African Peace and Security Council to hold a dedicated session. Protection of civilians and accountability. The organization asked the Malian authorities to open independent investigations and accept the assistance of human rights experts at the African Union.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger) held, yesterday (Saturday), in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, the first official ministerial meeting between them since the three countries left the group, nearly 3 years ago. While anticipation prevails, this time there was an agreement on the principles that should govern the relationship between them in the future, and the formation of working groups that pave the way for a “cooperation framework agreement.”
The eight-point joint statement said that the relationship between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States must be based on “good neighborliness and respect for the sovereignty, dignity and well-being of the peoples of West Africa.” They decided to form neutral and joint working groups to conduct technical discussions to reach a framework agreement. Sources close to the negotiations said that they would include freedom of movement of goods, people, trade, and the fight against terrorism.
The meeting marks a phase of complete estrangement, which began after a wave of military coups in the three countries between 2020 and 2023, the expulsion of French and Western forces, and the move towards an alliance with Russia. The breakthrough is not without security and geopolitical calculations, as Russia has become the main security partner through the “African Corps.” On the other hand, Washington began to “reset” its relationship with the Sahel countries, as Reuters reported in March that the two countries were close to an agreement to resume American reconnaissance flights over Mali.
