Mali: Human Rights Watch Reports Army and Militia Killings

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Malian army and allied militias of carrying out mass killings of civilians in central Mali. The human rights group is now calling for the African Union to intervene and ensure those responsible are held accountable. According to the report, the forces executed at least 32 villagers in two separate attacks in late March. The victims included traders and farmers who were traveling by motorcycle. HRW documented one attack in the village of Ninguilenda on March 27. A second attack occurred the next day in the village of Soro. Witnesses stated that soldiers and armed men in military uniforms detained the villagers before killing them. The human rights organization is urging the African Union to take immediate action. It recommends suspending Mali from the bloc and imposing targeted sanctions on individuals linked to the abuses. The Malian government has not yet responded to these specific allegations.