Wagner mercenaries in Mali have been accused of executing women and children during a revenge attack on a civilian convoy, resulting in 24 deaths. This response followed recent clashes with separatist rebels, highlighting the escalating violence in a country already plagued by jihadist groups. The involvement of Russian mercenaries has not quelled hostilities and has instead contributed to human rights violations, impacting local populations severely.
Russian mercenaries, specifically the Wagner Group, have been blamed for executing women and children in Mali amid ongoing conflict. This incident reportedly occurred when mercenaries and Malian troops opened fire on a civilian convoy as retaliation following clashes with separatist rebels. The attack, which resulted in 24 civilian deaths, is said to reflect a vengeful response to the Wagner Group’s recent military confrontations in the region.
The Azawad Liberation Front reported that their clashes with government forces and Wagner were deadly, with claims of six soldiers or mercenaries killed and eight fighters lost. Following these confrontations, they alleged that government forces along with Wagner executed civilians traveling towards Algeria. Eyewitness accounts describe mercenaries deliberately firing at civilian vehicles, resulting in numerous casualties, including women and children.
A family member of a victim noted that civilians were shot at when they encountered Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers, emphasizing that there were no survivors in the first vehicle. While Mali’s military offered no formal comments, a military source asserted that an investigation is in progress and claimed that no civilians were killed by the army.
Mali has faced ongoing violence from jihadist groups for over a decade and is currently led by a military junta. After rejecting French support and UN peacekeepers, Mali’s military sought assistance from Moscow, leading to the Wagner Group’s involvement. However, their presence has not reduced violence, as demonstrated by their past losses against Tuareg rebels, showcasing their ineffective military strategy.
Wagner, linked to the Russian government, has been classified as a terrorist group by the UK. Human Rights Watch previously documented that Wagner’s operations in Mali included repeated civilian killings, forced disappearances, and arson. Such actions by the mercenary group have been pivotal in aiding jihadist recruitment efforts, exacerbating the conflict further.
In summary, the events in Mali highlight the tragic implications of mercenary involvement in domestic conflicts. The accusations against Wagner of executing civilians point to critical breaches of humanitarian rights, further complicating Mali’s security landscape. As the military junta continues relying on these forces amidst ongoing violence, the cycle of retribution and civilian casualties appears to persist, posing significant challenges to peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
