
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised a disturbing alarm about a surge in violence in central Mali, accusing armed groups of committing war crimes against civilians.
In January, two separate attacks claimed the lives of at least 45 civilians. Al-Qaeda-linked GSIM fighters stand accused of killing 32 civilians, including children, and burning homes in Ogota and Ouembe villages.
Earlier that month, Dozo militia members, predominantly of the Bambara ethnicity, allegedly killed 13 civilians and abducted 24 others in Fulani villages.
HRW emphasizes that these attacks are part of a larger pattern of escalating communal violence in central Mali.
The region has been plagued by instability since 2012, witnessing insurgencies and ethnic tensions.
The rise of Fulani militant groups led by Amadou Koufa has further fueled the conflict, leading to clashes with Bambara and Dogon farmers.
The remote location of these incidents and limited access to reliable information hinder efforts to confirm attacks and hold perpetrators accountable.
The Malian government’s recent military operations alongside the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary force, haven’t stemmed the violence and are themselves accused of human rights abuses, particularly against the Fulani.
HRW urges Malian authorities to investigate these attacks and hold those responsible accountable.
They emphasize the need to address the root causes of this violence and prevent further atrocities.
This situation highlights the critical need for international cooperation to ensure the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire and find sustainable solutions to restore peace in central Mali.