Human rights watch alleges civilian casualties in Africa corps strikes in Mali

A leading human rights organization has accused Africa Corps, a Russian-backed military unit, of conducting unlawful airstrikes in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The alleged 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 a local market and the home of the village chief. Three additional civilians were injured in the assault. Notably, no Islamist militants were reported among the casualties, raising serious concerns about the operation’s adherence to international war laws.

Human rights experts condemned the strikes as blatant violations of the laws of war. « These attacks deliberately ignored civilian protections, » stated Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior Sahel researcher for the organization. She further emphasized that Mali’s transitional government shares responsibility for the atrocities committed by its allied forces, accusing officials of granting Moscow’s Wagner-linked unit unrestricted operational freedom.

Evidence supporting the investigation

The human rights group compiled its findings through a rigorous process, including:

• 19 detailed phone interviews conducted between June 24 and July 14 with eyewitnesses, civil society representatives, Malian soldiers, and local journalists;
• Satellite imagery analysis of the strike sites;
• Review of a video released by Africa Corps allegedly showing the operation;
• Examination of photographs published by Islamist armed groups.

Legal framework and accountability

The investigation highlights that the Mali conflict is governed by international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits attacks on civilians, indiscriminate bombings, or disproportionate military actions that endanger non-combatants. « The Malian authorities cannot evade responsibility for war crimes committed by their foreign allies, » Allegrozzi asserted, urging the ruling junta to initiate an impartial inquiry into all potential war crimes on Malian soil, specifically addressing the Kyrnia airstrikes.

Strategic alliances and security shifts

Since the expulsion of French troops and UN peacekeepers, Mali has deepened its security and counterterrorism cooperation with Russia. Under the leadership of General Assimi Goïta, Bamako has increasingly relied on Africa Corps—linked to the Kremlin’s Wagner Group—to combat armed Islamist factions operating in the region.