A recent examination has brought forth allegations that the Russian paramilitary group Wagner engaged in the kidnapping, detention, and torture of hundreds of civilians in Mali over a three-year period. The abuses reportedly occurred at various locations, including former UN bases and military camps shared with the Malian army.

According to the report, victims who were interviewed at a refugee camp in Mauritania recounted horrific experiences, including being waterboarded, beaten with electrical cables, and burned with cigarette butts. The investigation was spearheaded by Forbidden Stories, in collaboration with France 24, Le Monde, and IStories.

The investigation pinpointed six sites where civilians were allegedly illegally detained and tortured between 2022 and 2024. Journalists involved in the investigation suggest the actual number of sites and victims could be higher. The alleged methods of torture mirror those reportedly employed by Wagner in Ukraine and Russia, and in some instances, resulted in fatalities.

Mali’s ruling junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, severed ties with France and sought political and military assistance from Russia. While the junta has not formally acknowledged Wagner’s presence, referring instead to Russian “instructors,” human rights organizations and Western governments have long asserted that Wagner fighters were operating within the country.

Last week, a Telegram channel linked to Wagner indicated that the group would be withdrawing from Mali. Sources within diplomatic and security circles speaking to AFP suggest that these fighters are expected to be integrated into the africa Corps, a paramilitary force with ties to the Kremlin.

UN Investigation Points to Malian Troops and Foreign Fighters

A UN investigation previously accused Malian troops and foreign fighters of executing at least 500 individuals during an anti-jihadist operation in Moura in 2022. The junta has denied these claims. However, Western governments maintain that Wagner mercenaries were involved in the incident.

“The victims… described being waterboarded, beaten with electrical cables and burned with cigarette butts.”

In april 2024, bodies were discovered near a Malian military base just days after the army and Wagner personnel reportedly detained numerous civilians, primarily from the Fulani ethnic group.