Screenshot of a video posted online and analyzed by Human Rights Watch showing the destruction of a health center following an apparent Malian military drone strike in Talahandak village in the northern Kidal region, Mali, on July 29, 2026.
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Malian armed forces and their allies have since July 2026 responded to mounting attacks by Islamist and separatist armed groups with abusive counterinsurgency operations in central and northern Mali.The Malian military, armed groups, and insurgent forces are committing grave laws-of-war violations while international organizations and governments largely stand by.The AU Peace and Security Council should undertake sustained scrutiny of all parties to Mali’s conflict by convening a dedicated session on civilian protection and accountability and pressing them to halt abuses.
(Nairobi) – Malian armed forces and their allies have since July 2026 responded to mounting attacks by Islamist and separatist armed groups with abusive counterinsurgency operations in central and northern Mali, Human Rights Watch said today.
Mali’s military and the allied Russia-controlled Africa Corps (formally the Wagner Group) have killed and wounded scores of civilians in attacks and in custody in violation of international humanitarian law. Islamist and separatist fighters have also violated the laws-of-war, including torturing and executing captured Malian soldiers. The African Union Peace and Security Council should urgently take action to prevent further atrocities in Mali.
“The Malian military, armed groups, and insurgent forces are committing grave laws-of-war violations while international organizations and governments largely stand by,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The AU Peace and Security Council should undertake sustained scrutiny of all parties to Mali’s conf
