Warning: This story contains descriptions of torture and physical violence. Some readers may find it distressing.
A shopkeeper has described how Russian mercenaries fighting jihadists in Mali executed cold-blooded murders before his eyes and threatened him with death. This is one of several accounts documented by eyewitnesses, showcasing the violent tactics used by Russian forces, now linked to widespread human rights abuses in a campaign against Islamist militants.
After the military junta took control in Mali, shifting its allegiance from French to Russian forces, the notorious Wagner Group undertook brutal operations. Although Wagner has since exited the country, their operations have transitioned to the Africa Corps, which continues to report similar atrocities.
Eyewitness Ahmed, who is currently living in a refugee camp in Mauritania, shared a particularly harrowing experience involving beatings and torture at the hands of the mercenaries. Ahmed witnessed the execution of two men and endured torture himself, all in a brutal attempt to extract information regarding a local shop owner.
The situation escalated as violence erupted across towns like Nampala, where residents were subjected to collective punishment amidst accusations of collaboration with jihadist groups. Reports highlight that the Wagner fighters often displayed their murderous acts on social media platforms, demonstrating their impunity.
In the face of rising violence, nearly 50,000 people have fled to refugee camps in Mauritania, seeking safety from the ongoing conflict. Refugees, like Bintu and Youssouf, recount terrifying encounters with the Russian mercenaries, underlining the widespread trauma inflicted on local communities.
While the Wagner Group claims to have fulfilled its mission, the true situation remains precarious, with local populations now living in fear of retribution and violence, continuing to cry out for accountability and justice for the heinous crimes perpetrated against them.
