Human Rights Watch accuses Russian mercenaries of torture and drone attacks in Mali

Human Rights Watch released a report documenting severe abuses by Russian mercenaries supporting Mali’s military junta. Between May and August, dozens of civilians were confined in a windowless container at a base in Sévaré, Mopti region, where they endured unbearable heat, minimal food, and repeated torture methods such as electric shocks, burns and near-drowning. Four former detainees recounted the conditions, noting that the number of prisoners grew from 27 to 70 within days and that several died while locked inside.

The report also describes a September drone attack on a Mopti village used by the al-Qaida-affiliated JNIM, which killed eight men and injured six civilians who were gathering for internet access. HRW has sought comments from Mali’s defence minister and Russia’s defence minister, but neither has replied. The junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, had previously aligned with France before turning to Russian support in 2022.