Mali: Damning Evidence of War Crimes By State Armed Forces and Wagner Group Personnel - New Report

What the report says

Amnesty International has accused Mali’s armed forces and personnel from the Wagner Group of committing war crimes during joint operations between 2023 and 2025, according to a new report published on 29 September 2026 and carried by AllAfrica. The report says at least 34 civilians were unlawfully killed in seven localities in Mali, with incidents reported in the Ségou, Mopti and Timbuktu regions.

The rights group also alleges torture, enforced disappearance, pillaging and destruction of civilian property. It says survivors described beatings, electric shocks, suspension by the arms and simulated drowning in detention sites and military bases, including Léré and Nampala. Amnesty said some detainees died from torture or poor conditions and that those held were not brought before a judge or allowed access to lawyers or family.

The report further says Malian drone strikes hit a market in Ejdeir in March 2025 and a family home in Tangata in November 2025, killing at least 23 people in total, including children. Amnesty said it found no evidence of military targets at those sites and argued the attacks should be investigated as possible war crimes if confirmed.

The organization said many of the victims were members of Fulani, Arab and Tuareg pastoralist communities, whom it believes were targeted because of their ethnic background and presence in conflict-affected areas. Amnesty called on Malian authorities to investigate, protect civilians, clarify the role of foreign personnel and ensure accountability. As background, Wagner operated in Mali until June 2025, after which Africa Corps reportedly took over some of its role.