Russian paramilitaries in Mali kill nine, including children: HRW
Al Jazeera
β’Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:13:49 +0000
π° What Happened
Human Rights Watch accused Russian-controlled paramilitaries, the Africa Corps, of summarily killing nine civilians, including four children, in Mali and beating dozens of others and setting at least eight homes alight. HRW said the killings took place in the presence of Malian soldiers in the Mopti region on July 10. It follows a Russian air strike that killed several civilians.
π The Backstory
The Africa Corps, successor to the Wagner Group, operates in Mali's long-running northern conflict. HRW interviewed witnesses between July 19 and 30 and said the Malian authorities appear to have given the paramilitaries a green light to kill civilians.
π― Why It Matters
The findings point to escalating abuses by foreign forces in Mali's conflict. They raise questions about the Malian government's responsibility for attacks carried out by its allies and the dangers facing civilians.
Human Rights Watch accused Russian-controlled paramilitaries, the Africa Corps, of summarily killing nine civilians, including four children, in Mali and beating dozens of others and setting at least eight homes alight. HRW said the killings took place in the presence of Malian soldiers in the Mopti region on July 10. It follows a Russian air strike that killed several civilians.
The Africa Corps, successor to the Wagner Group, operates in Mali's long-running northern conflict. HRW interviewed witnesses between July 19 and 30 and said the Malian authorities appear to have given the paramilitaries a green light to kill civilians.
The findings point to escalating abuses by foreign forces in Mali's conflict. They raise questions about the Malian government's responsibility for attacks carried out by its allies and the dangers facing civilians.