Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Russia's government-controlled Africa Corps of conducting an unlawful airstrike in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The strike occurred on June 15 in Kyrnia village, located in the Mopti region.
According to HRW's investigation, which relied on witness testimonies, satellite imagery, and analysis of video footage released by the Africa Corps, two munitions were dropped on the village. One struck the village chief's residence, while the other hit a nearby cattle market. Several people were injured in the attack.
Despite claims by the Africa Corps that the strike targeted Islamist militants and killed several field commanders, HRW found no evidence of combatants among the casualties. Witnesses reported that fighters linked to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) were not present at the targeted locations during the strike.
HRW emphasized that the village chief’s home showed no signs of military use at the time of the attack. The rights group contended that the airstrike may constitute an indiscriminate attack, violating international humanitarian law, which mandates distinguishing between civilians and combatants and minimizing civilian harm.
Ilaria Allegrozzi, HRW’s Senior Sahel Researcher, stated: "Russian government-controlled Africa Corps aircraft have killed civilians in a Malian village in seeming disregard for the laws of war."
Mali’s military government has deepened security cooperation with Russia following the cessation of partnerships with France and the United Nations after coups in 2020 and 2021. The Africa Corps, operating under Moscow’s direct control and succeeding the Wagner Group, has been assisting Malian forces against armed groups.
HRW called on the Malian authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the airstrike and hold accountable those responsible for potential war crimes, including members of the Africa Corps. Allegrozzi added, "The junta has to impartially investigate all possible war crimes committed on their territory, including the airstrikes in Kyrnia, or be held complicit in abuses."
