Experts Raise Concerns About Alleged Killings Attributed To Malian Army

An independent UN expert says the human rights situation in Mali was “worrying and expressed concern about abuses attributed to regular forces and jihadists, as well as restrictions on freedoms under the ruling junta.

Alioune Tine, independent expert said he was gravely concerned about allegations of serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

He said Groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State and other extremist groups “have continued to carry out targeted killings, kidnappings, acts of intimidation, death threats, the imposition of illegal taxes as well as criminal activities linked to illegal gold panning.

He said these groups are responsible for 57.20% of human rights abuses, he added presenting a report covering the period from March to the end of December 2021.

However he reported “allegations of serious violations” attributed to regular Malian forces. He referred to accusations of summary executions, enforced disappearances or acts of torture. The Malian government rejected the accusations reiterating its commitment to ensuring the respect for human rights.

He expressed his “deep concern about the shrinking civic space” complained of by civil society and parts of the opposition and specifically cited the junta’s decision this month to suspend the broadcasting in Mali of the French public media RFI and France 24.

The authorities blamed them for broadcasting reports that the Malian army was involved in abuses against civilians.