logo
UN calls for Mali to probe alleged executions by army and Russian mercenaries

UN calls for Mali to probe alleged executions by army and Russian mercenaries

Yahoo30-04-2025

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — United Nations experts on Wednesday urged Malian authorities to investigate reports of alleged summary executions and forced disappearances by the army and Russian mercenaries, following the discovery of dozens of bodies near a military camp last week.
According to a statement from the U.N. humanitarian agency, the bodies were found near the Kwala military camp in western Mali's Koulikoro region between April 21 and 22, and are suspected to be those of men arrested by Malian soldiers and mercenaries from the Russia-backed Wagner Group ten days earlier.
Citing 'unconfirmed reports,' the agency said around 60 men, most of them ethnic Fulani, were allegedly tortured and interrogated at the camp about alleged links with 'terrorists," before being executed.
The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the reports. Spokespeople for Mali's military and the government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The U.N. experts said that, if confirmed, the killings may amount to war crimes, while the forced disappearances may constitute crimes against humanity. They urged Malian authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the killings and forced disappearances of the men.
Fulani people — also known as the Peuhl — are disproportionately represented in Islamic militant groups in central Mali, which has led to them being stigmatized by other ethnic groups and security forces.
Mali, along with neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger, has for more than a decade battled an insurgency fought by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
Following military coups in all three nations in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French forces and turned to Russian mercenary units for security assistance instead. Since seizing power in 2021, interim president Assimi Goita has struggled to curb violence in Mali, while the army has been accused of targeting civilians.
In December, Human Rights Watch accused Malian armed forces and the Wagner Group of deliberately killing at least 32 civilians over an 8-month span.
____
Follow AP's Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
Mark Banchereau, The Associated Press

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Putin calls for major upgrade to Russia's Ground Forces
Putin calls for major upgrade to Russia's Ground Forces

Yahoo

time23 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Putin calls for major upgrade to Russia's Ground Forces

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has directed his military command to substantially enhance the combat capabilities of Russia's ground forces. Source: Putin's statement at a meeting on the state armaments programme, as reported by Kremlin-aligned Russian Telegram channel Smotri Quote: "The ground forces remain the dominant force in conducting modern military operations of any scale and intensity. It is crucial to enhance their combat capabilities as quickly as possible, to establish a solid foundation for development and to ensure the creation of advanced weapons systems with the highest tactical and technical specifications and modernisation potential." Details: Alongside this, Putin instructed the development of the Russian navy. Background: Putin previously claimed that 95% of Russia's nuclear triad consists of modern weapons, asserting this as the highest figure globally. He directed officials to prioritise nuclear weapons as a cornerstone of Russia's sovereignty in the new state armaments programme, set for 2027–2036. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!

Putin claims Russia has world's most advanced nuclear triad
Putin claims Russia has world's most advanced nuclear triad

Yahoo

time23 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Putin claims Russia has world's most advanced nuclear triad

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has once again highlighted his country's nuclear capabilities in the defence sector. Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency TASS, citing Putin's statement at a meeting on the state armaments programme Details: He claimed that the share of modern weapons in Russia's nuclear triad is 95%, asserting this is the highest figure globally. Quote: "The share of modern weapons and equipment in the strategic nuclear forces is now 95%. This is a strong indicator, indeed the highest among all nuclear powers worldwide." More details: Putin instructed officials to prioritise the nuclear triad as a cornerstone of Russia's sovereignty in the new state armaments programme, set for 2027–2036. Quote: "Our task today is to develop a new long-term programme for the entire complex of systems and weapons, including, of course, advanced ones, leveraging the experience of the special military operation [as the Russians call the war against Ukraine – ed.], various regional conflicts and it is vital to consider global trends in the development of military technologies."Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!

German Chancellor rejects Social Democratic Party's calls for restoring relations with Russia
German Chancellor rejects Social Democratic Party's calls for restoring relations with Russia

Yahoo

time23 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

German Chancellor rejects Social Democratic Party's calls for restoring relations with Russia

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has affirmed the unity of his coalition government, comprising the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD), despite calls from some SPD members for a review of policy towards Russia. Source: n-tv, as reported by European Pravda Details: Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday, Merz responded to calls from certain SPD figures for diplomatic rapprochement with Russia and an end to Germany's arms policy. He emphasised that the coalition remains united on these matters. "In the federal government, between the CDU, CSU and SPD, we are fully united in our assessment of the war Russia is waging against Ukraine and the conclusions that must be drawn from it. I hope this unity will persist," he said. More details: Highlighting recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, Merz stressed the need to recognise Russia as a threat to the security of the entire NATO Alliance. "Russia poses a security risk on both sides of the Atlantic." He added that the upcoming NATO summit will address a long-term increase in defence spending. Background: A document titled "Manifesto," signed by over 100 SPD-associated figures, has sparked significant controversy in Germany. It advocates for a shift in security and defence policy, including negotiations with Russia and halting the deployment of new US medium-range missiles in Germany. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has already publicly rejected these proposals. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store