HRW: Mali Army, Russian Forces, Militants Commit War Crimes
The Facts
- Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Monday that Mali's military, allied Russian Africa Corps fighters and insurgent groups are committing grave violations of the "laws-of-war," and urged the African Union's Peace and Security Council to act to prevent further atrocities.
- Conflict data cited in the report recorded 49 airstrikes by Malian forces and Russia's Africa Corps between April and August, killing 89 civilians, against 22 strikes and 44 deaths in 2025. Overall, more than 400 civilians were killed during those five months, according to HRW.
- The report also documented armed group abuses, saying Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Azawad Liberation Front fighters tortured and executed at least 19 Malian soldiers after a July 18 convoy attack near Tabrichat. Another account put the death toll at 50 or more.
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The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The civilian deaths documented by HRW are horrifying, and unlawful strikes demand accountability. But Mali's army is fighting jihadists and separatist rebels who execute captured soldiers and terrorize communities. Protecting civilians cannot mean abandoning the fight against armed groups threatening the country. Mali has the right to defend its sovereignty and choose its security partners while protecting innocent lives.
Government-critical narrative
HRW's latest findings expose the cost of Mali's counterinsurgency. Drone strikes killing civilians and abuses by soldiers and Russian-backed fighters undermine the security the junta promises. Targeting communities and torturing detainees fuels insurgent recruitment. The government can't claim to protect Malians while shielding those responsible. Real security demands independent investigations and prosecutions, not impunity.
