Mali in turmoil: Military arrests and massacre allegations
The Malian Armed Forces (FAMA), along with Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, arrested 100 men about a month ago in the town of Sebabougou in the western part of the country, primarily shepherds from the ethnic Fulani group. Approximately 60 of them were abducted. A week later, their relatives discovered dozens of bodies near the military base.
What you need to know
- Arrests in Sebabougou: The Malian Armed Forces (FAMA), along with Russian mercenaries, arrested 100 men, mainly shepherds from the Fulani group, in the town of Sebabougou in western Mali.
- Discovery of bodies: A week after the arrests, the families of those detained discovered dozens of bodies near the military base.
- UN report: Independent UN experts drafted a report suggesting that the detained individuals were tortured and interrogated about alleged ties to terrorists.
How did the arrests in Mali occur?
The Malian Armed Forces, supported by Russian mercenaries, carried out a military operation in the town of Sebabougou, where 100 men were arrested. Most of them are shepherds from the ethnic Fulani group. "According to unconfirmed reports, those arrested were tortured and interrogated about alleged links with 'terrorists' at the Kwala military camp," wrote the UN experts.
Their reconstruction of events suggests that individuals recruited by mercenaries from the former Wagner Group led the victims out of the camp and killed them by opening fire with firearms.
What actions did the Malian armed forces take?
In a statement dated April 28, the Malian armed forces confirmed that they conducted military operations from April 11 to 15, 2025, in several areas, including Sebabougou and Kwala. FAMA added that several combatants from "terrorist armed groups" were "neutralized" during this period.
Massacres, summary executions, and forced disappearances have become common since the ruling Malian military junta enlisted the help of Russian mercenaries to fight against rebels and insurgents, including the Al-Qaeda-backed and Islamic State-linked group Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).
Human Rights Watch, a human rights organization, revealed in its December 2024 report that such military operations in towns and villages in central and northern Mali have become commonplace.
