Mali military and armed groups committing abuses against civilians, HRW reports

Findings on civilian deaths

HRW said it documented two drone attacks by Mali’s military that appeared to be indiscriminate. In the southern Segou region, soldiers shot and killed five girls during an operation against armed groups.

In central Mopti, members of the military-allied Dozo militia killed three civilians, HRW said. The rights group said both groups acted with impunity.

Captured soldiers and denials

HRW said armed groups tortured and executed at least 19 Malian troops they had taken prisoner. It also said such groups violated the laws of war by torturing and executing captured soldiers. The Azawad Liberation Front acknowledged fighting the army and Russian forces in the northeastern region that day, but denied executing soldiers.

Report calls for action

The report draws on interviews with 30 people, including witnesses, human rights defenders, community leaders, journalists and a Malian soldier. Interviews took place from late July to mid-September.

Mali’s military government, which has ruled since coups in 2020 and 2021, turned to Russia for support. It initially enlisted fighters from the private Wagner Group, which became the state-controlled Africa Corps in 2025. HRW called on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to urgently act to prevent further atrocities in Mali.