A devastating attack on a vehicle in Mali’s Segou region has left nine civilians, including women and children, dead.
According to a civil society group and a rebel coalition, the Malian army and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group are responsible for the attack.
The vehicle was traveling from Niono to a refugee camp in Mauritania when it came under fire.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the coalition of Tuareg groups, alleged that Malian armed forces and Wagner fighters carried out the attack.
However, the head of Kel Ansar, a prominent Tuareg group, has called for an investigation, denying that Malian troops were involved in the bloodshed.
The Malian army has not responded to requests for comment, and Wagner has not been reachable.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent clashes in Mali, where the army has been battling Islamist insurgents and Tuareg separatists.
Wagner fighters have been supporting Malian forces since 2020, following the army’s seizure of power and the expulsion of French and U.N. troops.
Human Rights Watch has reported that Mali’s armed forces, backed by Wagner, and Islamist armed groups have committed serious abuses against civilians, violating the laws of war.
