Warning: This story contains descriptions of torture and physical violence. Some readers may find it distressing.
Eyewitness accounts from survivors in Mali expose horrific details of executions and torture perpetrated by Russian mercenaries, particularly the Wagner Group, who have been conducting operations against jihadist forces in the region. Ahmed, a shopkeeper, recounted witnessing the cold-blooded killings of two men in front of him, as he faced threats of mutilation and death.
The grim situation unfolded after a military junta took over Mali in 2021, rejecting French assistance against insurgents in favor of Russian support. This led to Wagner’s deployment, which has since morphed into the operations of the Africa Corps under the Russian defense ministry.
Reports have emerged detailing horrific actions celebrated by the mercenaries on restricted social media channels, with evidence suggesting they engaged in not just combat against insurgents but acts of extreme violence against civilians as well. Ahmed described the psychological warfare tactics employed to instill fear, including forcing locals to identify suspected jihadist collaborators under threat of death.
Amidst growing fear and disclosures of atrocities, the international community grapples with how to respond to these violations. Ahmed's narrative is compounded by numerous similar experiences shared by refugees from Mali, illustrating a broader pattern of terror under the guise of military operations against jihadist factions.
As tensions rise and humanitarian crises deepen, the future of Mali and the safety of its citizens remain precarious, raising questions about accountability for the gross abuses witnessed and the ongoing cycle of violence fuelled by external mercenary involvement.
