Rights group links Mali’s army, Wagner to dozens of killings, forced disappearances
According to HRW, the two groups have executed at least 12 Fulani men and forcibly disappeared 81 others while conducting joint military operations across several regions since the start of the year.
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Mali's military junta and the Russia-backed Wagner Group of killing and disappearing dozens of Fulani men since January, in what it describes as a campaign of summary executions and enforced disappearances during counterterrorism operations.
According to HRW, the two groups have executed at least 12 Fulani men and forcibly disappeared 81 others while conducting joint military operations across several regions since the start of the year.
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The operations, HRW says, targeted fighters linked to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated militia group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM).
HRW's findings were based on interviews conducted between February and May 2025, on 29 individuals, including 16 eyewitnesses, community leaders, activists and journalists.
The eye witnesses reported that Fulani civilians have often been targeted on suspicion of collaborating with JNIM militants.
HRW cited credible reports, corroborated by the United Nations, indicating that as many as 65 Fulani herders and traders were executed in April in Sebabougou, Kayes region. The victims were reportedly rounded up and transported toward a military camp before being killed.
Another witness recounted a March 30 incident in Belidanédji, Ségou region, where Malian and Wagner forces allegedly shot fleeing Fulani civilians. A separate operation in the same region on March 19 also led to the arrest and disappearance of at least 12 Fulani men.
"Mali's military junta is ultimately responsible for the summary killings and enforced disappearances by the army and allied Wagner Group fighters," said Ilaria Allegrozzi, HRW's senior Sahel researcher, in a statement.
"The junta needs to end the abuses, make the whereabouts of those detained known, investigate and hold those responsible to account."
Despite sending a letter on June 10 to Mali's ministers of justice and defence detailing its findings and raising questions, HRW said it has received no response.
The rights group also raised concerns about Wagner Group's June 6 announcement of its withdrawal from Mali after claiming to have "accomplished" its mission.
Analysts say the mercenaries are now being replaced by the Africa Corps, a newly formed paramilitary unit under Russia's direct control.
HRW subsequently urged the African Union to push Mali's junta to launch credible investigations and prosecute those responsible for the killings and forced disappearances.
"Senior Malian and Russian officials should recognise that they can be held responsible for the crimes committed by their soldiers and fighters," Allegrozzi warned.
"Whether the African Union finally presses the Malian authorities to investigate and prosecute abuses, or the International Criminal Court steps in, those linked to current atrocities may face future trials."
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