Human rights watch accuses africa corps of civilian killings in Mali

Human Rights Watch has documented evidence that airstrikes conducted by the Africa Corps—a Russian-backed military unit—killed eight civilians, including three children, during an attack on June 15 in the village of Kyrnia, located in Mali’s Mopti region.

The investigation confirms that a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft targeted a civilian area, destroying the village chief’s residence and a livestock market without inflicting any harm on armed Islamist fighters. Three other civilians were also injured in the strike.

«These strikes violated international humanitarian law, deliberately disregarding protections for civilians,» stated Ilaria Allegrozzi, Senior Sahel Researcher at Human Rights Watch. She further accused Mali’s military leadership of complicity by granting «unchecked authority to Russian forces operating within its borders.»

The human rights organization based its findings on a comprehensive review, including 19 phone interviews with witnesses, local journalists, military personnel, and civil society representatives. Additional evidence came from satellite imagery of the strike sites, a video released by the Africa Corps, and photographs shared by Islamist militant groups.

Under international humanitarian law applicable to the Mali conflict, attacks must avoid civilian targets and distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. Strikes causing disproportionate civilian harm compared to military gain are strictly prohibited.

«The Malian transitional government cannot evade accountability for war crimes committed by its allied forces,» Allegrozzi emphasized, urging authorities to launch an impartial investigation into possible war crimes, including the Kyrnia airstrikes.

Since General Assimi Goïta assumed power, Mali has shifted its security alliances, deepening ties with Russia while severing partnerships with French forces and UN peacekeepers to combat armed terrorist groups.