HRW reports Africa Corps strikes killed civilians in central Mali

Human Rights Watch has accused Africa Corps, a Russian-backed military unit, of carrying out unlawful airstrikes in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The attack occurred on June 15 in the village of Kyrnia, located in the Mopti region.

According to the investigation, a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-24 jet targeted the village, striking both the village chief’s residence and a livestock market. None of the casualties were combatants, as confirmed by local sources. The operation left three additional civilians injured.

Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior Sahel researcher at HRW, condemned the attack, stating that the airstrikes “deliberately disregarded the laws of war,” adding that Mali’s transitional government shares responsibility for enabling such actions by its Russian allies. “The Malian authorities cannot absolve themselves of accountability for these violations,” she emphasized.

The findings were based on extensive research, including 19 phone interviews conducted between June 24 and July 14 with witnesses, civil society representatives, Malian soldiers, and local journalists. Investigators also analyzed satellite imagery of the strike sites, reviewed Africa Corps’ own video footage, and examined photographs released by Islamist armed groups.

Under international humanitarian law applicable to the conflict in Mali, attacks targeting civilians or civilian property are strictly prohibited. Additionally, strikes must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, and any potential harm to civilians must not outweigh the anticipated military advantage.

Allegrozzi urged Mali’s military leadership to conduct an impartial investigation into possible war crimes, including the Kyrnia airstrikes. “The Malian junta must take immediate action to address these violations and hold those responsible accountable,” she stated.

Since General Assimi Goïta assumed power, Mali has deepened its military cooperation with Russia, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, following the withdrawal of French forces and UN peacekeepers.