Mali forces and Wagner Group accused of war crimes by Amnesty

war crimes Amnesty International Wagner Group Malian army human rights violations

Amnesty International has released a report alleging that members of the Malian armed forces (FAMa) and the Russian Wagner Group committed war crimes during joint military operations between 2023 and 2025. The report documents the unlawful killing of at least 34 civilians across seven locations in the Ségou, Mopti, and Timbuktu regions.

According to the findings, victims—primarily from Fulani, Arab, and Tuareg communities—were targeted during counter-terrorism operations. Documented abuses include summary executions, torture (such as electric shocks and simulated drowning), enforced disappearances, and the destruction of civilian property. The report specifically highlights two drone strikes in the Timbuktu region that killed at least 23 people, including five children, with no evidence of military targets present.

Testimonies from survivors also describe torture occurring during patrols and at military bases in Léré and Nampala. The report notes that the Wagner Group, which operated in Mali from late 2021 until June 2025, was later succeeded by Africa Corps, an entity under the Russian Ministry of Defense. Amnesty International is calling for impartial investigations into these allegations and greater accountability for the chain of command.

Entities

Africa Corps · Amnesty International · Mali · Malian Armed Forces · Wagner Group

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] At least 34 civilians were unlawfully killed in seven localities in Mali between June 2023 and December 2025. www.amnesty.ie · www.it-boltwise.de · myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com · www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.stiripesurse.ro · +3 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The majority of victims belonged to Fulani, Arab, and Tuareg pastoral communities. www.amnesty.ie · myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com · www.notiziegeopolitiche.net
[● 3 SOURCES] Witnesses confirmed the torture of approximately 30 individuals during patrols and at military bases. myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com · www.stiripesurse.ro · www.la-croix.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Wagner Group was replaced in June 2025 by Africa Corps, which operates under Russia’s Defense Ministry. myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com · www.kyivpost.com · www.la-croix.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Two drone strikes in the Timbuktu region killed at least 23 people, including at least five children. myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com · www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.stiripesurse.ro · www.la-croix.com
[● 9 SOURCES] Malian armed forces and Wagner Group personnel committed war crimes, including murder and torture of civilians, during joint operations between 2023 and 2025. www.amnesty.ie · www.it-boltwise.de · myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com · www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · africtelegraph.com · +4 more