In a harrowing testimony to the BBC, a shopkeeper in Mali described witnessing Russian mercenaries who fight armed groups killing two men in cold blood, with one of the fighters threatening to cut off his fingers and kill him.
These accounts come amid major shifts in Mali since the military junta seized power in 2021.
Following the withdrawal of French forces, Mali’s authorities brought in Russian Wagner Group mercenaries. After Wagner’s partial pullback, their operations were taken over by the African Corps, a successor formation.
Reports indicate that some Wagner fighters had been documenting their abuses on a private Telegram channel before it was shut down, showing scenes of violence and intimidation against civilians.
Ahmed, who was tortured by Wagner mercenaries, recounted terrifying details, including forced water immersion and death threats unless he provided information.
His testimony sheds light on the grave abuses committed by these groups.
Although Wagner has withdrawn, analysts say many of its fighters have shifted to the African Corps, believed to continue similar practices, though some reports suggest their conduct may be less extreme, with a notable decrease in mass killings.
The conflict in Mali has led to widespread displacement, with around 50,000 people fleeing to camps in Mauritania.
