Sat Feb 22 15:42:33 UTC 2025: ## Mali Launches Investigation into Killing of Civilians Allegedly by Soldiers and Russian Mercenaries
**BAMAKO, Mali** – The Malian army has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of at least 24 civilians by Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries earlier this week. The probe, a rare occurrence since the military seized power in 2020, follows accusations from the Tuareg independence movement, the Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA).
The FLA claims soldiers and Wagner Group mercenaries intercepted two civilian vehicles traveling from Gao to Algeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 passengers. One vehicle was reportedly set ablaze. A family member of a driver confirmed the incident to AFP, stating that one car was transporting migrants and that the occupants were shot at by Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries.
While the Malian army has dismissed the accusations as a smear campaign, the investigation was announced on Friday. However, analysts remain skeptical about the impartiality of the inquiry. Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, suggests the investigation is likely aimed at deflecting criticism rather than uncovering wrongdoing.
The incident underscores the ongoing human rights crisis in Mali, which has been plagued by conflict for over a decade. Since the 2020 coup, the military government has increasingly relied on the Wagner Group, leading to concerns about escalating violence against civilians. Human Rights Watch previously documented atrocities committed by Malian forces and their Russian allies. The outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, but the allegations raise serious concerns about the conduct of Malian security forces and their Russian partners.
First Piper 