Tactics Institute demands immediate action to address the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in northern Mali. Thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes in recent months due to what has been described as systematic attacks by Russian mercenaries alongside Malian soldiers.

The ongoing crisis in northern Mali also poses a significant threat to regional peace and stability. The rampant violence perpetrated by Russian mercenaries and Malian forces not only fuels ethnic tensions within Mali but also risks spilling over into neighbouring countries, exacerbating existing conflicts and creating new security challenges. 

Instability in Mali has the potential to destabilize the entire Sahel region, providing fertile ground for the proliferation of terrorist groups and criminal networks. Without swift and decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and protect civilian populations, the situation in northern Mali could escalate further, leading to devastating consequences for the region as a whole.

Reports by Malian researcher Mohamed Issouf Ag Mohamed and professor Mariana Bracks Fonseca highlight the alarming actions of the Wagner Group mercenaries, operating under the guise of the Malian military. These actions, amounting to what appears to be ethnic cleansing of minority groups, are deeply concerning and violate fundamental human rights.

The situation in northern Mali is dire  Innocent civilians, including women and children, are being targeted and subjected to violence, forced displacement, and atrocities at the hands of Russian mercenaries and Malian forces. This is unacceptable and demands immediate attention from the international community.

The Wagner Group, now operating under the name Africa Corps, is reportedly terrorizing tribes such as the Fula, Tamasheq, and Moura. Reports of summary executions, massacres, forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, acts of torture, and deliberate destruction of infrastructure are deeply troubling and require urgent intervention.

Furthermore, This offensive and following operations have conveniently placed the Russian mercenaries closer to the hundreds of unregulated artisanal gold mines in northern Mali’s Gao and Kidal provinces that the rebels had controlled. Russia will likely endeavour to expand its influence over northern Mali’s artisanal mines to maintain the Kremlin’s sanctions evasion efforts. The Kremlin has employed this playbook to accrue billions from artisanal mines in Sudan, donating to the $2.5 billion in gold the Kremlin has generated in Africa since it invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Tactics Institute calls on all relevant parties to: Immediately cease all hostilities and violence against civilians in northern Mali. Allow unrestricted access to humanitarian aid to affected areas to provide much-needed assistance to displaced populations. Conduct an independent investigation into the alleged human rights violations and hold perpetrators accountable under international law. Renew efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Mali, respecting the rights and aspirations of all ethnic groups.

The international community cannot stand idly by while innocent lives are being lost and communities are torn apart. We urge all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a sustainable peace in Mali. Tactics Institute reiterates its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and respect for human rights in conflict-affected regions and stands in solidarity with the people of Mali during this challenging time.