Human Rights Watch accuses Russia's "Africa Legion" of killing civilians in Mali and calls for an investigation.

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Human Rights Watch has accused Russia’s Africa Legion, which supports the armed forces in Mali, of being responsible for the killing of eight civilians, including three children, during an airstrike that targeted a village in the center of the country last June.

The organization said the attack hit a house and a livestock market inside the village, stressing that its investigation found no evidence of military targets or armed elements in the bombed locations, which raised concerns about violations of international humanitarian law.

Calls for an independent investigation

The organization called on the financial authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation to uncover the circumstances of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable if violations against civilians are proven.

She stressed that protecting civilians is a fundamental obligation during armed conflicts, emphasizing the need to verify the nature of targets before carrying out any military operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties.

Criticism of the Russian presence in Mali is mounting.

These accusations come at a time of growing controversy over the role of Russia’s “Africa Legion” in Mali, after it took over tasks previously carried out by the Wagner Group, as part of military cooperation between Moscow and the Malian authorities in confronting armed groups.

Over the past few months, human rights reports have escalated, detailing violations against civilians during military operations, while the Malian government maintains that its cooperation with military partners aims to restore security and combat extremist groups.

Ongoing security challenges

Mali has been experiencing an escalation of violence for years, with armed groups continuing their attacks in large parts of the country, prompting authorities to strengthen their military cooperation with international partners in an attempt to regain control of the troubled areas.

Observers believe that the continued clashes are further complicating the humanitarian situation and increasing concerns about the safety of civilians, especially in areas experiencing frequent military operations.

Calls for respect for international law

Human rights organizations stressed the importance of all parties to the conflict adhering to the rules of international humanitarian law and taking the necessary measures to protect civilians and avoid targeting them during military operations.

Experts believe that conducting independent and transparent investigations into such incidents contributes to strengthening accountability, reducing violations, and supporting efforts to achieve security and stability in Mali.