BAMAKO, MALI (HRNW) — Amnesty International has published a new report alleging that members of Mali’s armed forces and personnel from the Wagner Group committed serious violations, including unlawful killings and torture of civilians during joint military operations.
The report, released on September 29, documents at least 34 civilian deaths in seven localities between June 2023 and December 2025.
Amnesty said the incidents occurred in the Ségou, Mopti and Timbuktu regions during operations involving Malian armed forces and Wagner personnel.
The organization said the victims were civilians who were not directly participating in hostilities when they were killed.
According to Amnesty, some civilians were shot while attempting to flee or after being detained.
The report also describes allegations that some victims were subjected to severe physical abuse and that civilian property was looted or destroyed.
Amnesty said it interviewed 119 Malian refugees in Mauritania for its investigation.
The organization also documented allegations concerning two drone strikes in 2025 that reportedly killed at least 23 people, including at least five children.
One strike hit a market in Ejdeir, while another struck a family home in Tangata, according to Amnesty.
The organization said it found no evidence of military objectives at either location and called for the incidents to be investigated as possible war crimes.
Amnesty also interviewed survivors who described alleged torture in military facilities, including beatings, simulated drowning and electric shocks.
The organization said some detainees were held without access to lawyers, families or judicial proceedings.
Amnesty said Fulani, Arab and Tuareg communities appeared to make up a large proportion of those affected by the documented abuses.
The organization is calling for impartial investigations, accountability for alleged crimes and stronger protection of civilians during military operations.
Amnesty said its findings were shared with Malian authorities on August 3 and that it had not received a response by the time of publication.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on Amnesty International’s September 29, 2026 investigation. Allegations concerning killings, torture, drone strikes and other violations are attributed to Amnesty International and the people it interviewed and have not been independently verified by HRNW.