Amnesty International has urged Malian authorities to launch an independent investigation into the alleged summary execution of at least 19 soldiers who surrendered following an ambush in central Mali earlier this month.
The call follows an analysis of 12 videos circulating on social media that depict the aftermath of an attack on a military convoy near Tabrichat village in the Gao region on July 18. The footage shows captured soldiers walking with their hands behind their heads, subsequently being beaten and then shot by armed men. Close-up shots later reveal the bodies of these soldiers, confirming their execution after surrender.
Ousmane Diallo, Senior Researcher on the Sahel at Amnesty International’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa, stated that the soldiers were clearly hors de combat—out of action—and therefore protected under international humanitarian law. He added that the evidence pointing to war crimes is undeniable.
The attack was carried out by two non-state armed groups, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which have operated as allies since 2025. Both groups claimed responsibility for the ambush but did not acknowledge the executions. Amnesty noted the presence of JNIM-associated white flags on vehicles involved in the attack, assisting in reconstructing events.
Amnesty International has called on Malian authorities to ensure a fair trial for those responsible and urged the armed groups to identify and sanction any perpetrators within their ranks. The organisation emphasized that victims and survivors deserve truth, justice, and reparations.
Mali has faced an ongoing insurgency involving multiple armed groups for over a decade. The International Criminal Court (ICC) continues its investigation into alleged crimes committed since 2013, retaining jurisdiction over cases prior to Mali’s planned withdrawal from the Rome Statute, effective June 23, 2027.
