Africa Corps accused of killing nine civilians in Mali

Human Rights Watch has accused Russia’s Africa Corps of killing nine civilians, including four children, during a military operation in the village of Bombori, located in Mali’s Mopti region. The incident reportedly occurred on July 10, 2026, when more than 100 heavily armed fighters, accompanied by Malian soldiers, entered an ethnic Fulani neighborhood.

Witnesses stated that the operation was led by Russian forces who interrogated men and boys, beat dozens of residents, and looted or burned several homes. According to the report, six people were shot while attempting to flee, and three others were executed, including one victim who was beheaded. The operation was likely intended to gather intelligence regarding the Al-Qaida-linked Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

Africa Corps, which succeeded the Wagner Group and operates under the direct oversight of the Russian Ministry of Defense, has seen increased deployment in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger throughout 2024. Human Rights Watch noted that the Malian military appears to have permitted these actions and called for impartial investigations into the abuses committed by both Russian and Malian personnel.