Malian army drone strikes on Sunday resulted in the death of at least ten civilians, many of them young people, who were in the midst of preparing for a traditional collective wedding celebration in the central Malian locality of Téné.

The unmanned aerial vehicles targeted Téné, a community nestled within the San region. These strikes occur amidst a profoundly critical security environment in Mali, following widespread coordinated attacks on April 25 and 26. These assaults were carried out by jihadists from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, alongside the Touareg-dominated Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) rebellion, adding to the complexities of African current affairs.

Across Mali, civilians frequently become victims of retaliatory actions and abuses, either from the army and its Russian allies or from jihadist factions, often based on accusations of collaboration with opposing sides.

A resident of Téné, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Ten of our children were killed by gunfire of unknown origin. What was meant to be a joyous occasion for our village has instead been plunged into immense grief.”

A security official, also requesting anonymity, confirmed the strikes. This individual noted that the tragedy unfolded as villagers were organizing the second edition of their traditional collective wedding, a significant cultural event for the community. The official suggested the strikes likely targeted “a procession of several motorcycles,” which may have drawn the attention of the drones. At least nine fatalities were reported from this incident.

A local elected representative corroborated the account, confirming approximately ten deaths. “A wedding was about to take place when the drones killed at least ten civilians. It is truly a period of mourning,” the representative conveyed.

The challenging security landscape in Mali

Mali remains embroiled in an unprecedented security crisis, intensified by armed group attacks against the ruling junta in late April, which has left the government considerably weakened. Since these events, military forces have lost control over several areas in the northern part of the country, including the strategically vital city of Kidal. Defense Minister Sadio Camara, a key figure within the junta, was also reported killed. Since April 30, a road blockade has been established on crucial routes leading to Bamako. In recent days, jihadists have set ablaze numerous transport and commercial vehicles destined for the capital. Early May saw further jihadist attacks, claimed by JNIM, resulting in dozens of deaths in central Mali, reflecting the persistent challenges in African governance and continent news.

On April 20, three civil society organizations, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), lodged a complaint with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The complaint concerns alleged human rights violations committed in Mali, implicating both Malian armed forces and their Russian allies.