MALI : ARMY , RUSSIA AFRICA CORP COMMIT NEW ABUSES

What happened: Human Rights Watch reported that Mali's armed forces and the Russia-controlled Africa Corps committed new abuses against civilians in central Mali, including an apparent drone strike and torture of detainees. Key numbers: September 16, 2026 drone strike in Guélédié killed eight civilians and injured at least six. Why it matters: HRW said civilians are bearing the brunt of the junta's failure to rein in its forces and allies, and that Russian officials should also be held accountable. Mali and Russia did not respond to HRW letters.

Human Rights Watch reported that Mali's armed forces and the Russia-controlled Africa Corps committed new abuses against civilians in central Mali, including an apparent drone strike and torture of detainees.

HRW said civilians are bearing the brunt of the junta's failure to rein in its forces and allies, and that Russian officials should also be held accountable. Mali and Russia did not respond to HRW letters.