The first waves of displaced people fleeing Malian army and Wagner violences in Timbuktu region.@Asiwil_Post.
Introduction:
Malian army, with the help of Wagner mercenaries and using Turkish TB2 drones, has been committing large-scale targeted massacres against civilians from Azawad since August 2023, following those of 2012-2014.
And this in the most violent way possible since the signing of the Algiers Agreement in 2015. It all began when the military junta in power in Bamako unilaterally decided to send soldiers supported by Russian mercenaries from Wagner to occupy the camps of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). This move violates the ceasefire in effect since 2014 as well as the 2015 agreement signed with the Azawad movements under the aegis of the international community with Algeria as lead partner. It began when a convoy of Malian soldiers and mercenaries from Wagner left Ségou heading to Léré. The military convoy with hundreds of vehicles and armored vehicles, began by attacking the border check-point of the Coordination des Mouvements de l'Azawad (CMA) on the night of August 4th, 2023 in Foîta, on the Mauritanian border, before marching on the villages where they began killing. These killings targeted in particular the Fulani, Arabs and Tuaregs, as well as their material goods, their sources of livelihood and their homes in every village in their way. Among the atrocities committed by the Malian armed forces and Wagner's mercenaries throughout Azawad, reports reveal a recurring pattern of looting, poisoning of wells, acts of mutilation, trapping of bodies and even the deliberate burning of pastures. There have also been reports of rapes and the killing of cattle which is a vital resource for these semi-nomadic communities. This tragedy continues to this day in the face of the incomprehensible silence of the international and regional community.
All the acts listed in this article may constitute evidence of genocide.
- Attacks on civilian villages in the Azawad region constitute acts of deliberate violence against defenseless populations.
- Massacres specifically targeting Fulani, Arab and Tuareg communities are hate crimes and constitute a serious violation of human rights.
- Destruction of material goods and sources of livelihood of local populations worsens the suffering of the affected communities and constitutes a war crime.
- Military occupation of areas inhabited by civilians exposes these populations to increased risks of violence and human rights violations.
- Attacks on check-points belonging to the Coordination des Mouvements de l'Azawad (CMA) are hampering efforts to achieve peace and resolve the conflict in the region.
- Use of excessive force and brutal tactics against civilians in obvious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. These actions are contrary to the fundamental principles of human dignity, respect for civil rights and the protection of civilian populations in conflict times.
- Serious violations of human rights, including extrajudicial executions which represent fundamental violations of human dignity and the right to life. Extrajudicial executions, which involve the killing of people without due process or respect for fair standards of justice, are unacceptable and contrary to the principles of international human rights law.
- Forced displacement of civilian population. Such displacements often result in important suffering, including difficulties in accessing safe shelter, food, water and medical services, as well as major disruptions to their daily lives and livelihoods.
- Involvement in acts of torture and ill-treatment.
- Failure of the international and regional community to respond adequately to end the violence and protect civilians.
- Mali's willful violation of agreements and compromises, as well as its rejection of any negotiated solution with the aim of finding a just and lasting solution with the Azawad party, are hampering efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region and extending the suffering of the civilians.
The following list is not exhaustive, but it highlights the series of human rights violations and crimes committed by Malian army with the support of Wagner mercenaries and Turkish TB2 drones during this period. These acts require an urgent response from the international community to protect civilians and put an end to the impunity of those responsible.
- August 2023:
● Attack on a village in the Timbuktu region, leading to extrajudicial executions and forced displacement of civilians.
- September 2023:
● Massacre of civilians in Gao region, with reports of arbitrary arrests and looting of property.
- October 2023:
● Use of Turkish TB2 drones in attacks on villages in Taoudeni region, causing massive destruction of property and loss of life.
- November 2023:
● Military occupation of areas inhabited by civilians in Kidal region, resulting in serious human rights violations, including torture and ill-treatment.
- December 2023:
● Intensified attacks on civilian villages in all regions, with reports of extrajudicial executions, house searches and looting of businesses.
- January 2024:
● Continued use of excessive force against civilians in military raids by Malian army and Wagner mercenaries.
- February 2024:
● Increase in atrocities against civilians, including house burnings and mass forced displacements in several regions.
Violations during August 2023:
Between August 4th and 6th, a convoy of Malian army and Wagner mercenaries heading to Timbuktu killed more than 50 civilians between Foîta and Soumpi, where it was reported that Wagner killed all the civilians it encountered on the way.
Between August 15th and 18th, Wagner's mercenaries killed seven (7) civilians and arrested nine in Ber without any known justification or reason; other sources also reported the looting of civilian property and several cars.
Violations during September 2023:
On September 3rd, a joint patrol of Wagner's mercenaries and Malian army arrested six civilians in the center of the town of Ber on Sunday September 3rd, 2023, including shopkeepers; five of them were released and the sixth was murdered in cold blood by Wagner in the middle of the former camp of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
On September 6th, 2023, the Malian air force carried out air strikes that destroyed the headquarters of the mayor of the commune of Agouni Assalam, in Timbuktu region, causing significant material damage and destroying buildings.
On September 14th, 2023, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries intercepted a bus of Sonef company full of passengers heading to Gao after their convoys had been defeated in an ambush by extremist forces between Hombori and Gossi on the Gossi-Doro Road. To avenge the humiliation suffered by the Malian armies and Wagner's mercenaries, they attacked the innocent passengers on the bus, sorting them racially before executing them on the side of the road without any form of trial. 12 bodies of Fulani, Arabs and Tuaregs were found on the scene.
On September 24th, 2023, around 14 civilians were killed by Wagner mercenaries in Ndouba area, 5km south-east of the town of Nampala, near the Mauritanian border.
Violations during October 2023:
On October 5th, 2023, a Malian and Wagnerian army patrol brutally executed 18 civilians in Ersan region, between Tabankort and Gao, beheading them and trapping their bodies to increase the death toll.
The beheaded and trapped bodies of some of the community leaders and inhabitants of Ersane discovered after the departure of the Malian soldiers and Wagner.@Asiwil_Post
On October 6th, another patrol of mercenaries from Wagner and Malian army executed three civilians in the village of Tabankort for no reason.
On October 7th, 2023, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries horrifically executed 9 civilians in Takoukit, near the town of Anefif, by beheading them. They also carried out a similar massacre in Ibougitan area, near Anefif, where they killed three civilians and beheaded them, according to local sources.
On October 9th, 2023, nine (09) Songhoy traders were executed inside the town of Anefif by Wagner. Women and children were also executed, whose families preferred to stay inside the town and refrained from leaving Anefif. On the same day, Malian army, accompanied by Wagner's mercenaries, executed three civilians in Imbogitan, on the outskirts of the town of Anefif.
On October 10th, 2023, a Malian and Wagner army patrol killed two civilians in the village of Tarkint, between Gao and Kidal, and wells were also reportedly poisoned in the same area.
On October 15th, Malian army, accompanied by Wagner mercenaries, carried out further executions and violations of international law, killing civilians, looting their property and raping women in the Tachilit area, 25 km north of the town of Léré, and the Agoumimen area, 7 km west of Léré. The horrific results of this operation were as follows:
- Execution in cold blood of 6 civilians
- Looting and destruction of property
- Confiscation of women's jewellery
- Women were raped
On October 19th, 2023, Wagner mercenaries killed five civilians, including two elderly people and three young people, in Tin Fadmata, in Ménaka region, after an intensive search of their village for no reason.
On October 20th, 2023, Wagner's mercenaries arrested two Arab civilians in Ber town, one of whom was of Algerian nationality, and executed them on the same day.
1- Ibrahim Ag Mohamed, a black Tuareg shepherd, 20 years old.
2 - Dakar Kli Ben Issa, an Algerian owner of a small shop who lives in Ber.
On the same day, October 25th, terrorist mercenaries from Wagner in the north of Léré killed a person named Youssef Ag Ismail without any motive and stole his car to their camp in Lere.
On October 21st, 2023, Wagner mercenaries stormed the town of Loguii, 25 km south of Nampala, and carried out an intensive search of their village for no less than five hours. All men were transferred to an unknown destination before setting in fire to the houses, the market and the water towers. Seven people, including the chief, were executed in front of the village.
On October 24th, 2023, a patrol of Fama and Wagner mercenaries set on fire a mosque, a clinic, residences, transport vehicles and lorries belonging to civilians in Tabankort on the way to Anefif and placed a mine under the remains of medicines in Tabancort community health center, resulting in the death of two children who fell into the trap and were killed on the spot.
On October 26th, 2023, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries carried out an air strike in Amasarkad region, targeting a civilian car, which resulted in its destruction, killing four (4) civilians and injuring two others, according to local sources.
On October 27th, 2023, Malian army and Wagner executed ten Songhoy and Fulani civilians in the commune of Djanki, 30km east of Léré.
On October 29th, 2023, a Malian Army and Wagner patrol executed seven civilian Tuareg and Fulani shepherds in Foïta after their incursion into the village.
On October 31st, 2023, Malian army, and Wagner mercenaries, publicly executed the Djanki village chief Bakay Fofana and three of his advisers for no reason.
Violations during November 2023:
On November 1st, 2023, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries, looted, vandalized and set fire to shops, raided residences and sacked shops, food, blankets and goods in the suburbs of Doro region (Gao), particularly in the localities of Tin-Algmghar and Eghaf-Nanou.
On November 2nd, 2023, Malian army, and its Russian militia, stormed the village of Tin-Asamed in the commune of Intililt, in Gao region. They turned the area upside down, looted shops and foodstuffs, killed two young men as they reached the shops and set fire to several shops, including the foodstuffs and basic necessities on which people depend.
On the morning of Friday November 3rd, 2023, they killed a Tuareg civilian (Bella) and took another one to an unknown location, then set fire to several shepherds' houses during their capture of Tin-Latane area, between Intahaka and Gao, 65 km from Gao town.
On November 5th, 2023 a Malian army patrol and Wagner mercenaries, set fire to a medical center in the Tin-Ghar area, located 2km from the locality of Doro in the commune of Intililt, in Gao region, according to local sources.
On November 7th, 2023, Malian army and Wagner's mercenaries carried out three air strikes against civilian targets in Kidal town, killing 15 civilians, including seven children, and wounding 30 civilians, including 21 children, near a school close to the former UN camp.
The spot where the Malian drone struck civilians, including several children, on November 3rd, 2023 in Kidal. @Asiwil_Post
On November 10th, 2023, Wagner's mercenaries executed three civilians: the imam of the village of Djanke, his muezzin and a third person.
On November 12th, 2023, Malian army and Wagner's mercenaries, arrested dozens of civilians at Tonka market. After research and verification of information, dozens of bodies were found and dumped in two mass graves in Tengomoro valley, near Achpol between Tonka and Goundam. Meanwhile, the same scene occurred on the same day with the same perpetrators and the same modus operandi in the area between Lousogi and Tenderma.
Seventy-seven (77) civilians were killed in this massacre, including Tuaregs, Arabs and Fulanis, distributed as follows: 65 black Tuaregs, 3 light-skinned Tuaregs, 5 Fulanis and 2 Arabs. A total of 77 civilians were killed and lightly buried in a mass grave. Some sources refer to the burial conditions, with parts of the body sticking out of the ground.
On November 14th, Malian army bombed a car full of civilians fleeing massacres by Malian army and Wagner mercenaries. The raid targeted shopkeeper Ouguenat Ag Ahmoudou and his family. His 4-year-old daughter died, as did a university psychology student named Awinane Ag Achkounin.
On November 15th, Malian army and Wagner's mercenaries carried out searches and sweeps that affected most of the homes in Kidal, including the arbitrary arrest of 5 young Tuaregs in the town for no reason whatsoever. The black inhabitants went into warehouses and shops, stole and looted what they contained under the encouragement of Malian army and its mercenaries.
A civilian house vandalized by Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers in Kidal. @Asiwil_Post
On November 16th, 2023, the same scenes were repeated: arbitrary arrests, murders of civilians, beheadings, searches of most of the houses in Kidal town and looting of their contents by Malian army, Wagner's mercenaries and the town's black residents.
Sub-Saharan civilians transport furniture and goods stolen from Tuareg and Arab homes in Kidal. @Asiwil_post
On November 18th, Burkina Faso air force, in coordination with Malian army, carried out air strikes against Gael market in the Boulakasé region, killing 12 civilians, including women. Large areas of the market were also burnt down, in addition to items belonging to the local population being offered for sale.
On November 20th, 2023, a Malian occupation army patrol and Wagner mercenaries, killed three civilians and arrested five other Arabs in Nouaji area in the commune of Agouni Salam, between Timbuktu and Taoudeni.
On November 23rd, 2023, a Malian occupation army patrol and Wagner terrorist mercenaries arrived in Taherjen area, 35km east of Timbuktu on Timbuktu-Ber Road, and arrested 20 civilians, 18 Arabs and two Tuareg.
Between the 22nd and 24th of November 2023, local sources once again accused Malian army and Russian mercenaries from Wagner of committing serious violations, this time in central Mali, where they executed between 40 and 60 people, including women and children, during several operations spread over three days in Niono district, Ségou region.
On November 25th, 2023, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries executed 26 Tuareg and Arab civilians near Timbuktu town, according to local and security sources.
On November 29th, 2023, as part of its air strike targeting civilians, the Malian air force carried out an air strike with two missiles on Ras-El-Ma Town in Timbuktu region. Neither missile exploded. Only a car was hit by the missile that fell on it, although it did not explode.
On November 30th, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries kidnapped 11 civilians on the road between Tonka and Goundam.
Violations during December 2023:
In the context of increasing violence in the regions of Timbuktu, Gao, Taoudeni, and Kidal, the pace of violations and atrocities committed by Malian army in collaboration with Wagner's mercenaries against civilians is accelerating, particularly in December 2023. These violations included executions, arbitrary arrests, house searches, looting of businesses, destruction of homes and arson.
These repeated violations began at the beginning of December and are taking place as follows:
December 1st, 2023: Search operations in Kidal
Malian army and Wagner mercenaries carried out search operations Kidal town, extending their violent hand to homes and the theft of goods and tablecloths, as well as arbitrary arrests, including that of Ahmed Ag Mohamed without clear grounds.
December 3rd, 2023: Attacks on civilians in Ber and arbitrary arrests in Gao:
An army and Wagner patrol left Gao, heading for the surrounding pastoral areas, where they violated human rights and committed crimes of murder and arbitrary arrests.
On the same day, December 3rd, 2023, Malian army and Wagner's mercenaries arrested 7 Edakshak youths, including a musician, in the Château district of Gao, without any justification.
On the same day, December 12th, 2023, Wagner's mercenaries carried out an operation in Ahmboubar area, 4 km south of Tessalit town in Kidal region, arresting 12 civilians, including an employee of an international humanitarian organization, and setting fire to a motorbike there.
December 5th, 2023: Forced displacement and fires in Didi. The village of Didi in the Tagharouste sector was the scene of forced displacement operations and fires perpetrated by the army and Wagner's mercenaries, causing a humanitarian tragedy of huge proportions.
On December 6th, 2023, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries arrested two young nomads in Afalawlaw area, 27 km north of Gao Town.
On the same day, Malian army and Wagner's mercenaries arrested Malik Ag Sabdidja in Kidal, a farmer renowned for his annual work farming various vegetables, dates, etc., and who is also an employee of the ICRC office in Kidal.
December 7th, 2023: Air strikes and assaults in Aglal and Tabetit to the east of Timbuktu. On Thursday December 7th , , Malian army and Wagner carried out air strikes against civilian targets in Aglal and Tabetit inTimbuktu region, destroying the Algal town hall building. FAMAS and Wagner also intruded into the village of Tabetit in the Commune of Aglal (Lafia), killing one old man and wounding another, then setting fire to two houses in the village.
December 8th, 2023: Intrusions and arrests in Takalot. An army and Wagner patrol invaded Takalot near the town of Kidal, arresting all civilians and looting their property, including dozens of their cars, in an escalation that is difficult to justify.
On Friday December 8th, 2023, the bodies of five civilians arrested by Malian army in Kidal town, including children and a well-known local shopkeeper named Atakra Ag Atlagh, were found in Alkit.
December 15th, 2023: Summary executions in Igouzar, Malian army and Wagner's mercenaries carried out brutal summary executions of civilians, adding another cruel act to their growing record of crimes.
December 26th, 2023: Searches and executions of civilians on the outskirts of Timbuktu. Malian army patrols, accompanied by Wagner mercenaries, left Timbuktu and Léré on Tuesday December 26th, 2023, committing multiple human rights violations in several localities, with local sources confirming several executions, arbitrary arrests, thorough house searches, and the burning and destruction of houses. Local websites and TV channels have broadcast videos documenting these crimes.
On December 26th 2023 at around 10am, a patrol of 16 vehicles and 16 motorbikes from Wagner arrived in of Lerneb town. They looted shops and houses, and set fire to the market and the town's shops. Civilians fled before their arrival.
Lerneb market burnt to the ground by Wagner's mercenaries. @Asiwil_Post
On Sunday December 28th, 2023, nine (09) gold miners were killed in Tin-Bidane area in Abeibara cercle, Kidal region. They were of foreign nationality, including Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad. They were killed during an air strike on their car by a Malian army drone.
On December 30th, 2023, six civilians were killed in Tadayit in an air strike against shepherds watering their animals at a well in the area near Kidal town. During the raid, six civilians were killed:
1. Bakla Ag Otane
2. The old Naka and his son
3. Baguya Ag Oumar
4. Hamadi Ag Amoumin
5. Ibrahima Ag Alkasim
6. Sinna Ag Bayssa
The army also fired barrels of chemical explosives on civilians in Tadayit, without being detonated.
A barrel containing chemicals dropped by helicopter by the Malian military on a Tuareg camp east of Kidal. @Asiwil-Post
On the same day, Malian army carried out air strikes against civilian vehicles near the town of Goundam, killing several civilians, including women and children.
Violations during January 2024:
January 2nd 2024:
Around twenty civilians have been killed in Ber Town, Timbuktu region by a Malian army patrol and members of Wagner's Russian mercenaries.
They included:
1. Sibba AG Halloussa
2. Abdoulahi AG Fida
3. Alhassane AG
4. Mohamed AG Hamataye
5. Ibrahim AG Chama
6. Hamma AG Mahmoud
7. Amma AG Intangadaye
8. Hamal Aldjou AG Alhassane
9. Mohamed AG Abba
10. AG Infa
11. Tattou AG Wadhi
12. Oumar AG Idaya
It was also reported that a civilian named "Dey Ould Sidi Mohamed" was killed in Tamichrik, on the outskirts of the city of Timbuktu, 02/01/24, by Malian army and mercenaries from Wagner.
Multiple violations were also reported, including the burning of civilian residents' property in other areas on the outskirts of the city of Timbuktu on January 2nd, 2024.
On the same day, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries arrested dozens of civilians, including a guard from the Kidal office of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Mali called Ilachane Ag Biga in Kidal Town.
Other local sources also confirm the execution of a civilian by Malian army and Wagner mercenaries in Tessalit town on the same day.
On January 4th, 2024, Malian army carried out further raids targeting civilians between the areas of Djounhane and Adjole, west of Kidal; three civilians killed and five injured:
§ Abderazag Ag Alhamis and brother
§ Ibrahim Ag Ouwal
§ Ewaknas Ag Atikbal (injured) and also four other civilians.
One of two civilian vehicles hit by Malian army drone missiles in Adjol, west of Kidal. @Asiwil_Post
The following day, January 5th, another civilian was arrested at the same location during a helicopter operation by Malian and Wagner mercenaries.
On the evening of Friday January 5th, Malian army carried out air strikes against a civilian car in the area of Amasarkad, in the Gao region. According to local sources, the raid resulted in the death of around four civilians and the destruction of their car.
On the morning of Saturday January 6th, 2024, Malian air force carried out air strikes against civilian targets in Tidjarfen area, in Adjerer, in Kidal region. This raid resulted in the death of four civilians and injuries to others.
On the same day, the body of a civilian named Abdou Ag Ihiwane was found dead in Isseyidjan near Kidal, kidnapped on 26/11/2023 by Wagner.
On the same day, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries, committed multiple violations against civilians in Doueytré, between Timbuktu and Goundam, in particular by setting fire to houses, food and household equipment.
On the morning of Monday January 8th, 2024, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries raided several villages surrounding the town of Goundam in Timbuktu region.
In the locality of Koygama, local sources have documented incidents involving the destruction of houses, in addition to the burning of foodstuffs and household furniture. In addition, the army placed an explosive device in one of the houses and, when the owners returned, the device exploded on them, killing three of them on the spot.
The village of Koyguima, where several houses were dynamited on the spot by Wagner's mercenaries. @Asiwil_Post
Several houses were set on fire in other areas surrounding Goundam town on the same morning. In Kro-Kamba area, near Goundam, two civilians were killed, houses and two cars were set on fire by Malian army and Wagner mercenaries.
On the same day, January 8th, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries intercepted a car leaving Timbuktu on its way to the Mbeera refugee camp in Mauritania. They made the women get out of the car and burnt the car and all the men inside.
Tuesday January 9th, 2024: Malian army and Wagner mercenaries, set fire to several camps for displaced people in the Tabagart area, in the commune of Ber, in Timbuktu region. They arrested nine civilians in the same camp and tortured them before taking them to the Malian military camp in Ber.
Civilians' homes burnt down by Malian army and Wagner in the villages. @Asiwil_Post
The same day 09/01/2024 Malian armed forces and mercenaries from the Wagner group broke down the door of Baba Ould Cheikh's shop in Tangara in the Gao region. They stole all the goods from the shop in front of the local inhabitants in broad daylight.
Wednesday 10/01/2024: Identical local sources confirmed that Malian army and Wagner arrested dozens of civilians in several villages on the outskirts of Timbuktu, and took them away with three cars belonging to the detained civilians and a large number of motorbikes, arriving with them at Timbuktu airport in the evening.
The names of the camps targeted:
● Tine Djitan
● Agouni assalam
● Tin addar
● Tin Tilwat
● Bédo
● Mora
● Tesolay
● Tin Adanan
On January 14th, 2024, Kidal town was the scene of a shocking raid by the paramilitary group Wagner. Members of the group robbed local shopkeepers of their cash and valuables, causing a widespread outcry among the victims.
On the same day, Malian army and its Wagner men carried out two air strikes at Inkadewane in Ménaka region. The first strike was on a car belonging to a well-known mechanic in the town
The second on another car carrying livestock.
On January 14th, 2024, Wagner's group carried out an appalling operation in Kidal, robbing local shopkeepers, prompting protests from the victims, who complained to the regional governor, but received no response.
On January 18th, 2024, Malian army executed two civilians at Tin Aykarane in Gao region and arrested around seven Touareg and Arab civilians in Diré area.
On January 19th, 2024, Malian army executed four gold miners and beheaded them in Abanko gold mine near Tessalit, Kidal region.
Niger nationals executed and beheaded by Malian army and Wagner in Abanko. @Asiwil_Post
On the same day, January 19th, 2024, Malian army dropped Russian-made explosive bombs on a residential area in Tabankort in Ménaka region.
On January 20th, 2024, local sources confirmed that Malian army and Wagner mercenaries had arrested two young people in Enekar area in the commune of Anchawag and confiscated their car.
On January 21st, 2024, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries attacked the village of Sagn, looting and robbing civilians and arresting the son of the village chief, Ismail ag Aboubakren.
The homes of civilians in Sagn burnt down by Wagner's mercenaries. @Asiwil_Post
On January 22nd, 2024, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries executed seven civilians in Kalomumba, in Nara region, including five Mauritanians.
On January 23rd, 2024, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries carried out a joint operation in several areas of the Niafounké district, resulting in the arrest of three civilians.
On January 25th, 2024, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries attacked the town of Tadamomt in the municipality of Ber/ Timbuktu and arrested an elderly man, whom they executed later.
On January 25th, 2024, Malian army invaded the village of Folkoro, in Koulikoro region and executed 25 civilians.
On January 26th, 2024, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries attacked the village of Attar in the cercle of Niafounké and executed six Tuareg civilians.
On January 28th, 2024, Malian army and Wagner mercenaries intercepted civilians on the road to the weekly market of Tonka and killed them, cutting off the head of one of them.
Violations during February 2024:
On February 1st, 2024 Malian army and Wagner kidnapped 3 people in Djounhan, including Hamadine Ag Tahiya and Moulaye Habou Ould Illihamad.
On the same day, Ahmada Ag Kazi was arbitrarily arrested by Malian army and Wagner.
On the same day, a convoy of Malian soldiers and Wagner looted shops taking rice and fuel from Ikadewan on their way to Menaka. They sold the rice in the camp and the fuel at the market.
February 4th, 2024: Three (3) people killed and several injured, including children, in Tintorcha between Tinzawaten and Talahandak following a Malian army drone strike. The victims were working in an artisanal gold mine. A drone targeted a civilian car with 6 people on board, killing 4 of them and injuring 2 others. The car belonged to the Dousahak tribe of Ménaka and the incident occurred around 60km south of Tinzawaten.
On the same day, 04 02 2024, a Malian army convoy accompanied by Russian/Wagner mercenaries arrested several people at Igouzar, a gold-panning site around 50 km east of Kidal.
On the same day, Mahmoud AG Mohamed Ag Elmehdi, headmaster of the Essakane school, and his mentally ill son were executed by Malian army and Russian/Wagner mercenaries.
Malian army and its Russian/Wagner mercenaries arrested two young Arabs (Ahl-Ghaylan) Salam Ould Zayni and Ali Ould Zayni in Tomba on February 4th, 2024. They also arrested two young Tuaregs (Imadadaghane) in the same area.
On 5th, February 2024 Malian army arrested a young shepherd in Inboguitan, near Anefif.
On 5th, February 2024 between Djanké and Youwarou, 8 people were killed by Wagner, civilians boarding public transport. They looted all the shops and raped women.
On February 6th, Malian army and Russian/Wagner mercenaries searched the village of Tinghardjane in the commune of Tilemçi 55 km from Gao on Kidal-Gao Road. They abducted two men from the village after torturing them.
1- Rhuissa AG Intiwinik
2- Najmi AG Amanous
On the same day, Wagner cars and motorbikes left the town of Kidal and set fire to several houses in Ibdakan area north of Kidal.
Malian army and Russian/Wagner mercenaries, tortured two people after arresting them at Tinghardjane on the Gao-Kidal Road, 55km from the town of Gao.
One civilian killed and 3 others abducted on February 6th, 2024 by Malian army and Russian/Wagner mercenaries at Tahabanat in Ibdakan valley north of Kidal town.
Names of those abducted:
1- Baye AG Biga
2- Atolah Ag Bousanga
3- Imbaragane Ag Albesati
On February 7th, 2024, Wadigazan Ag Ahmoudan was killed in Abalassa by Malian army and Wagner.
On February 8th, 2024, armed men in uniform abducted Abdalla Ag Ahmad Ag Zoulqarnayni from his home in Timbuktu (Sanfil neighbourhood).
On February 8th, 2024, Wagner kidnapped a young Tuareg from the Kel-Ertak community called Hataye Ag Alhassane Ag Sidi in Echalle. They arrived at the Echall market near Goundam, killed two other people, arrested two civilians and tortured several others. They also looted the goods of traders in the market. According to several local sources, "they left nothing behind".
Drone strike on February 8th, in the Timtaghen area, north-east of Tessalit, killing 4 young people sitting around a wood fire. This was a camp for refugees who had fled the town of Tessalit for fear of abuses by Malian army and Wagner.
On February 10th, 2024 in Djounhan, two civilians were killed by Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries. They were Arwaybakh's son and his friend.
On February 11th, 2024 Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries vandalized a medical center in Tanaynayt, north of Kidal.
On February 11th, 2024 in Timbuktu/Goundam/Gargando: Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries passed through the villages of Ingodari, Bajakari, Ankambou, Amarouch and then Echal. They looted and destroyed all the houses and water towers. In Ankambou, they set fire to a shop, destroyed a house and vandalized another one in the village. In Bagakari they destroyed a house and a fuel shop. In Ingodari, they looted and robbed shops, destroyed a well and set fire to a motorbike. A cow was wounded by gunfire.
On February 11th, 2024, Malian army drone strikes hit the weekly market in the small village of Ijder, damaging shops and other material goods.
On February 11th, 2024 in Gathie one person was killed and shops looted by Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries.
On February 12th, 2024, Mopti, Youwarou, Farimake, Gathi Loumo: operations by Malian soldiers accompanied by Russian/Wagner mercenaries, shops looted and a bricklayer killed.
On February 13th, 2024, Malian army drone strike in Talahandak on a garage full of fuel barrels, resulting in 5 Chadian nationals killed and 3 seriously injured.
On February 13th, 2024, Eight Arab civilians arrested in Telamçi by Wagner.
Abdullah Ag Abzaw, a young Tuareg, was arrested in Timbuktu on the same day by the Malian security services.
Sidi-Kham AG Mohamed Ag Anoufley was arrested by Malian soldiers in Gao on the same day.
On February 15th, 2024, Ahmad Ag Baye Ag Halbi, a nurse, was arrested by Wagner in Kidal area at Eghacharsadidane in a lorry on his way from Gao to Tinzawaten.
On February 17th, Wagner's mercenaries arrived in the village of Tolotoba, on the outskirts of Léré, shot at animals and destroyed the water tower.
On February 18th, two young people were arrested by Wagner and Malian army in the village of Tin-Sinanan in the commune of Telemçi, 55km from Gao on the Gao-Kidal road :
1- Agaly AG Soulayman
2- Agaly AG Sidagmar
The same Wagner patrol burnt a motorbike in Intaghate.
On 17/02/2024, the village of Ikadawatan was looted for the second time by Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries.
On February 17th, 2024, Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries murdered a Koranic school pupil named Ibrahim Ag Hamad Iknan in Kidal. He was a teacher at the Al-Erchad center and they arrested another young man in the same square where they killed Ibrahim on the same day.
The body of Ibrahim ag Hamad-Iknane lies in his blood after being killed by Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries in Kidal. @Asiwil_Post
On February 19th, Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries killed 3 civilians in Almoustarat and destroyed a water tower.
On February 20th, 2024 several motorbikes belonging to Wagner's terrorist mercenaries raided civilians in Emnaghil. Those who had no money with them received several blows with sticks.
On February 19th, 2024, Mohamed Ag Bocar was arrested by Malian soldiers at his home in Kidal.
On February 23rd, 2024, seven people were kidnapped in Inkasambare by Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries.
During the day and night of February 22nd to 23rd, 2024, a Malian military patrol and Russian/Wagner mercenary passing through Kassambaré and other surrounding hamlets (Cercle de Tangara) carried out summary executions of at least 3 civilians, and set fire to the mosque, grocery shops and private homes. A dozen people are still missing, according to survivors.
On February 26th, 2024, Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries raided Dari/Niafunké. Initial reports speak of looting and 3 Fulani individuals executed, others reported missing.
On February 26th, 2024, two young people were arrested in Abanco, Tessalit by the Malian military and Russian/Wagner mercenaries:
1- Soliman Ag Aghali Ag Asikadey
2- Ahmed-Aghali Ag Janou.
On February 26th, 2024 several cases of kidnapping of 5 people from the Arab community, Oulad Malouk, were reported. They were allegedly perpetrated by the Malian military and Russian/Wagner mercenaries in Ansongo (Gao).
Arrest of four young people in Saboghak, Kidal by Wagner on February 28th, 2024.
They were:
1- Takny Ag Intikiste
2- Bahma Ould Waya
3- Mberki Ould Idrissa
4- Idoumou Ould Mohamed
Violations during March 2024:
On March 1st, 2024, Malian army carried out a drone strike on a civilian shop in Tadalok between Abeibara and Boughassa (Kidal), killing 3 people and injuring one.
On March 10th, 2024, two young men from the Imghad community were arrested by Malian army in Aghkhek, Kidal.
On March 10th, 2024, Wagner burnt down several nomad camps in Egharghar (Kidal) and arrested 4 people.
On March 15th, 2024, Malian army carried out drone strikes on 6 civilian traders' vehicles on the Gao - Kidal road, killing 4 drivers. Several vehicles and commercial products burnt.
On March 15th, 2024, a patrol of Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries travelled through areas/locations in the cercle of Tidermene. As they passed through Intadeyne area, money was extorted from 6 residents.
The sums taken from these people were:
400,000 XOF from a butcher who was out of business
100,000 XOF from a shepherd
285,000 XOF from a market gardener
400,000 XOF from a small trader who is currently out of business...
150,000 XOF from a market gardener
100,000 XOF from another market gardener.
On March 16th, 2024, a young man by the name of Chahid Ag Yahouza was executed in Timbuktu by the Malian military and Russian/Wagner mercenaries.
On March 17th, 2024, Malian army drone strikes against civilians in Amasrakad/Gao took a terrible toll in human lives. Thirteen (13) civilians, including 9 women and a little girl, were killed, including an old woman over 70 years old. A vehicle belonging to the local health center burnt down.
List of deaths during Malian army drone strikes on the village of AMASRAKAD:
1. Agaly Ag Oumar, 14 years old
2. Jidata Wlt Batto, 22 years old
3. Habda Wlt Ibrahim, 35 years old
4. Mariama Wlt Oumar, 17, years old
5. Nane Wlt Halba, 22 years old
6. Toutou Wlt Aklinin, 15 years old
7. Aminata Wlt Gissa, 23 years old
8. Ismagil Ag Oumar, 10 years old
9. Chonata Wlt Oumar, 8 years old
10. Mossa Ag Oumar, 6 years old
11. Fadimata Wlt Oumar, 2 years old
List of seriously injured:
1. Agaly Ag Abnkaloch, 24 years old
2. Ahoniya Ag Atou, 20 years old
3. Maka Wlt Dagay, 46 years old
4. Manina Wlt Ibrahim, 20 years old
5. Ahiyadwal Ag Batto, 20 years old
6. Dinana Wlt Chabni, 24 years old
7. Halima Wlt Aklinin, 22 years old
8. Isouf Ag Ibrahim, 24 years old
The vehicle of the Amasrakad health center targeted by a Malian drone. @Asiwil_Post
On the same day, the mayor of the town of Ber was arrested in Timbuktu by Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries.
On March 17th, 2024, in Tessalit, a vast campaign of destruction, looting of houses and theft of vehicles (4-wheelers and 2-wheelers) by the Malian military and Russian/Wagner mercenaries. Several dozen homes were crushed under the weight of the heavy machinery, and a number of people were arrested, including Bareyka Ag Keykey.
On March 18th, 2024, one person was killed and two wounded in a Malian army drone strike in Zouera in the Timbuktu region.
On the same day, a strike targeted 4 civilian vehicles, all of which were destroyed. They belonged to civilians in the Tin-Iblagh (Tin-Biden) valley, around 110 km north-east of Kidal. The death toll stood at 4, including a father, a son and his mother.
On March 20th, 2024, Malian military helicopters carried out strikes in Tagharoust area, east of Timbuktu without causing any damage.
On the same day, the 75-year-old mayor of Tidaghmene, Issouf Ag Dandan, was abducted from his home at around midnight in a helicopter-borne operation by Malian soldiers and Russian/Wagner mercenaries from Ménaka.
On the night of March 22nd to 23rd, 2024, Malian army used a drone to strike a group of Koranic school pupils aged between 9 and 14, gathered around the fire at Doudel and Douna. The strike killed 22 people.
Some of the Koranic pupils killed in the Malian drone strike in Mondoro. @Asiwil_Post
Conclusion:
In the context of increasing violence in the regions of Timbuktu, Gao, Taoudeni, and Kidal, the pace of violations and atrocities committed by Malian army in collaboration with Wagner mercenaries against civilians is accelerating, particularly in December 2023 and February 2024.
Reports of atrocities committed by Malian army in collaboration with Wagner mercenaries against civilians underline the urgent need for action to put an end to these violations and protect the civilian of Azawad.
Extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, house searches, looting of businesses, destruction of homes and arson constitute obvious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. These actions violate the fundamental principles of human dignity, respect for civil rights and the protection of civilians in times of conflict.
It is imperative that the international and regional community respond strongly to put an end to these violations and bring those responsible to justice. This may involve the deployment of human rights monitoring mechanisms, diplomatic engagement to demand accountability and the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations.
In addition, promoting inclusive dialogue and the peaceful resolution of the conflict between Azawad and Mali is essential to achieving a lasting solution and preventing future human rights violations. The protection of civilians must remain an absolute priority in all efforts to promote peace, stability and respect for human rights in Azawad and other regions experiencing similar conflicts.
It is also imperative that the international and regional community take concrete measures to respond to humanitarian crises and human rights violations. This may include sending peacekeeping missions, deploying human rights observers, increasing humanitarian aid, putting diplomatic pressure on the parties to the conflict and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
Ultimately, putting an end to the violence and protecting civilians requires a collective and sustained commitment on the part of the international and regional community. This requires strong political will, adequate resources and a coordinated and integrated approach to address the root causes of conflict and promote a culture of peace and respect for human rights over the long term.
The conflict between Azawad and Mali continues, requiring constant monitoring to document violations committed against civilians. It is for this reason that Asiwil_Post's group of observers is carrying out voluntary work to highlight these events in the hope of obtaining justice for the people of Azawad, who have suffered greatly from the cyclical massacres perpetrated by Malian army since 1963. The audio-visual details, images and testimonies of most of the tragic events mentioned are partially available, and work on the rest is continuing, as is the monitoring of future events.
@Asiwil-Post March 25th, 2024
