Malian armed forces are alleged to have arrested and killed around two dozen Fulani civilians who were rounded up at a livestock market in a central region of Mali.
The incident occurred on Monday in a rural area on the banks of the Niger river, where the men were loaded onto a canoe and taken to an island cemetery, where they were killed. A local activist informed newsmen about the incident.
The town of Diafarabe, where the incident took place, witnessed a rare public protest on Wednesday by women over the disappearance of their loved ones. The protesters are demanding answers and justice for the victims.
This incident has raised concerns about the conduct of Malian security forces, who are backed by Russian mercenaries, previously known as Wagner and now Africa Corps. Human Rights Watch has accused both groups of committing atrocities and serious abuses against civilians.
The UN has also called for an investigation into the matter after decomposing bodies were found on the outskirts of a military camp in the southwestern Koulikoro region of Mali.
The Malian government has been facing criticism for its handling of security and human rights.
The country’s military government, which seized power following coups in 2020 and 2021, has expelled French and other Western forces and turned to Russia for military support. This move has raised concerns about the impact on human rights and stability in the region.
