UN calls on Mali to investigate charges of execution by the Army and Russian mercenaries
Senegal Dhaka (AP) – UN experts on Wednesday urged Malian authorities to investigate the report of suspected summary executions and forced disappearance of Russian mercenaries after dozens of bodies were found near military camps last week.
The bodies were found near the Kwala military camp in the Kulikoro region in western Mali between April 21 and 22, and were suspected to have been arrested 10 days ago by Mali soldiers and mercenaries of the Russian-backed Wagner Group.
The agency cited “unconfirmed reports” and said about 60 men, most of whom are Fulani, were allegedly executed at the camp, allegedly associated with “terrorists”.
The Associated Press cannot independently verify the report. A spokesperson and government for the Mali army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
UN experts say that if confirmed, a murder could constitute a war crime and forced disappearance could constitute a crime against humanity. They urged Malian authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the killings and forced disappearances.
The Fulani people (also known as PEUHL) are disproportionately represented in Islamic militant groups in central Mali, which leads to them being stigmatized by other races and security forces.
Mali fought with neighbors Burkina Faso and Burkina Faso and Niger for more than a decade, fighting insurgent battles with armed groups, including Al-Qaida and the Islamic State Group.
In recent years, the ruling government has expelled French troops and turned to Russian mercenaries for security assistance after military coups in all three countries. Interim President Assimi Goita has been working to curb violence in Mali since the seizure of power in 2021, while the military has been accused of targeting civilians.
In December, Human Rights Watch accused the Malian armed forces and the Wagner group of deliberately killed at least 32 civilians in eight months.
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Following the AP’s African Report:
