The UN rights chief expressed shock and concern over alleged summary executions of 25 people by the Malian army and foreign military personnel in central Mali. Additionally, he was alarmed at the killing of approximately 30 others in attacks over the weekend in the same region, which has been a volatile area plagued by armed groups.
The difficult geographical terrain, poor communications infrastructure, and security issues in Mali make it challenging to gather and verify information. The violence in Mali, which has been ongoing since 2012, has spread to the center of the country, resulting in numerous attacks and deaths.
Mali’s government, which seized power in 2020, has turned away from France and the UN peacekeeping mission, and instead aligned with Russia both politically and militarily. This move has led to the withdrawal of French troops from Mali and has raised concerns about the involvement of Russian mercenaries in the country’s security operations.
The UN and other sources have accused the Malian army and its allies of human rights abuses, including the massacre of hundreds of people in the town of Moura. However, to date, investigations into these allegations have not been successful.
The UN emphasized the need for impartial investigations into these human rights abuses and for those found responsible to be brought to justice in trials that observe international standards.