Human rights watch exposes civilian deaths linked to africa corps in Mali

Human Rights Watch uncovers unlawful airstrikes in central Mali

On July 31, Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a statement alleging that an Africa Corps airstrike carried out by a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft on June 15 in the village of Kyrnia, located in the Mopti region, resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The attack also left three others injured, while no Islamist fighters were reported among the casualties.

Targeting civilian areas in breach of international law

The strike struck the village chief’s residence and a livestock market, areas with no military presence. HRW’s senior Sahel researcher, Ilaria Allegrozzi, condemned the operation, stating, “The Africa Corps killed civilians in clear disregard for the laws of war.” She further accused the Malian government of complicity, arguing that its alliance with Russian forces effectively granted Moscow “a blank check” to commit such violations.

Evidence gathered through extensive fieldwork

To substantiate its claims, HRW conducted a thorough investigation, including:

• 19 telephone interviews between June 24 and July 14 with witnesses, civil society members, Malian military officials, and local journalists;
• Analysis of satellite imagery from the strike sites;
• Review of a Africa Corps video and photographs published by an Islamist armed group.

Violations of the laws of war under scrutiny

The laws governing armed conflicts in Mali prohibit attacks targeting civilians or civilian property, indiscriminate strikes, and operations that cause disproportionate harm to civilians relative to any perceived military advantage. HRW emphasized that the Malian authorities cannot evade accountability by blaming allied forces for war crimes.

Allegrozzi urged the ruling junta, led by General Assimi Goïta, to initiate an impartial investigation into all possible war crimes in the country, including the Kyrnia airstrike. The call comes amid Mali’s deepening security ties with Russia, following the expulsion of French forces and UN peacekeepers.