Mali: Human Rights Watch Accuses Africa Corps of Civilian Deaths in Airstrikes

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has leveled serious allegations against the Russian-backed paramilitary group Africa Corps, accusing its forces of carrying out airstrikes in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The incident occurred on June 15 in the village of Kyrnia, located in the Mopti region. According to the international watchdog, none of the victims were affiliated with any armed groups.

Civilian casualties in a targeted village

The airstrikes, reportedly conducted by a Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft, struck two key locations in Kyrnia. The first attack hit the residence of the village chief, killing his wife and three children. The second strike targeted a nearby livestock market, resulting in four additional fatalities and several injuries. HRW emphasized that witnesses confirmed the presence of jihadist fighters in the village at the time of the attack, but there is no evidence to suggest that the civilians killed were involved in combat.

Africa Corps denies civilian targeting

In a statement on social media, Africa Corps claimed the operation was directed at a « gathering point for terrorist groups. » However, HRW’s investigation contradicts this assertion, stating that while armed individuals from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) were reportedly in the area, the civilians killed were not combatants. The discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy and oversight of military operations in the region.

This incident underscores the growing scrutiny over the conduct of foreign-backed military operations in Mali, where civilian protection remains a critical challenge amid ongoing counterterrorism efforts.