Amnesty International has accused members of Mali’s armed forces and personnel from the Wagner Group of committing war crimes, including the killing and torture of civilians, during joint military operations between 2023 and 2025.
In a report, the rights organisation documented what it described as serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including torture, enforced disappearances, looting and the destruction of civilian property.
Amnesty said its findings painted a “harrowing picture” of civilians caught up in Mali’s prolonged conflict, with victims allegedly paying the highest price while perpetrators continue to enjoy impunity.
The organisation called on Malian authorities to conduct impartial, independent and effective investigations into the allegations, stressing that the government should not dismiss the claims without properly examining the reported violations.
According to Amnesty, the vast majority of victims were members of pastoralist communities, including Fulani, Arabs and Tuaregs, who were allegedly suspected of collaborating with non-state armed groups.
The organisation said some civilians were targeted largely because of their ethnic identity or their presence in areas where armed groups were active.
Amnesty warned that such targeting raised serious concerns over violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, particularly where civilians were subjected to killings, torture, disappearance, destruction of property or looting.
The report called for accountability and effective investigations into alleged abuses committed during the joint operations, while urging authorities to ensure protection for civilians caught in areas affected by the conflict.
