Human Rights Watch says government forces, Russia-linked Africa Corps fighters and armed groups have killed and abused civilians as violence intensifies across Mali.
Bamako, Mali — Mali’s armed forces, Russian-linked Africa Corps fighters, and armed groups have been accused of serious violations of international humanitarian law as violence continues across the country, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The rights organization documented alleged unlawful killings, indiscriminate drone strikes and executions involving Malian security forces, allied militias and insurgent groups.
HRW said airstrikes carried out by Malian forces and African Corps fighters between April and August killed 89 civilians, raising concerns about the protection of people caught in the country’s prolonged conflict.
Mali Army Accused of Deadly Drone Strikes and Civilian Killings
Human Rights Watch documented two apparently indiscriminate drone strikes attributed to Mali’s armed forces.
One attack, carried out in August at a market in the Bandiagara region, killed six civilians and injured at least 20 others, according to the organization.
HRW also reported that Malian soldiers killed five girls during a military operation in the Ségou region in July.
In a separate incident, members of the Dozo militia, which has operated alongside Malian security forces, allegedly killed three civilians in the Mopti region.
The organization said the incidents raised serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law, which requires parties to armed conflicts to distinguish between civilians and combatants.
JNIM and Separatist Fighters Accused of Executing Captured Soldiers
The report also documented alleged abuses by armed groups operating in Mali.
According to HRW, fighters from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and allied separatist groups tortured and executed at least 19 captured Malian soldiers following an attack in the Gao region in July.
JNIM acknowledged that some prisoners had been killed but denied ordering their executions.
The Azawad Liberation Front, which was also implicated in the allegations, denied involvement in the killings.
Under international humanitarian law, captured fighters must be treated humanely, and their execution is prohibited.
Airstrikes Reportedly Kill 89 Civilians in Five Months
Human Rights Watch said data it reviewed indicated that Malian forces and Africa Corps fighters conducted 49 airstrikes between April and August, resulting in 89 civilian deaths.
The organization said the reported death toll was more than double the number of civilians killed in airstrikes during the corresponding period in 2025.
The findings add to concerns about the impact of military operations and armed group attacks on civilians in Mali, where government forces have been fighting insurgent groups for years.
Human Rights Watch Urges African Union to Act
Human Rights Watch called on the African Union Peace and Security Council to press all parties involved in Mali’s conflict to comply with international humanitarian law.
The organization urged authorities and armed groups to take steps to protect civilians, investigate alleged violations and ensure accountability for those responsible.
It also called for greater scrutiny of military operations and abuses committed by armed groups as the conflict continues.
The allegations underline the challenges facing Mali as its security forces and allied fighters confront insurgent groups while civilians remain exposed to violence across several regions.
