Condolences Expressed by UN Human Rights Chief over Killings in Mali
The UN rights chief has expressed his shock and condemnation over the reported summary executions of 25 individuals by Mali’s army and “foreign military personnel” in a region plagued by violence from armed groups. The chief, Volker Turk, also raised concerns about the killing of around 30 others in recent attacks in central Mali.
Gathering and verifying information in Mali is challenging due to the country’s vast geography, deteriorating communications infrastructure, and security concerns.
The violent conflict in Mali began in 2012 and has expanded to the central regions since 2015, with the establishment of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Katiba Macina. The violence has had a devastating impact on the region, resulting in thousands of deaths and dire humanitarian consequences.
The current military government in Mali, which seized power in 2020, has distanced itself from France, the former colonial power. Instead, it has turned towards Russia politically and militarily, prompting the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA at the end of 2023. The government’s alignment with Russia, along with its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has raised concerns and criticism from the international community.
Mali has faced accusations of enlisting the services of Russian mercenaries despite official denials. The United Nations and local sources have also accused the Malian army and its allies of committing human rights abuses against civilians, including the massacre of over 500 people in the town of Moura in March 2022. Calls for impartial investigations and justice have been made, though progress in holding those responsible accountable has been limited.
The UN rights chief emphasized the importance of fully and impartially investigating all allegations of arbitrary deprivations of life and bringing those responsible to justice in trials that meet international standards.
