Mali's volatile alliance: Russian mercenaries and local unrest
The Malian Armed Forces (FAMA), along with Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, detained 100 men a month ago in the town of Sebabougou in the western part of the country, predominantly shepherds from the Fulani ethnic group. About 60 of them were abducted. A week later, their relatives discovered several bodies near the military base.
What do you need to know?
- Arrests in Sebabougou: The Malian Armed Forces (FAMA), with Russian mercenaries, detained 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 relatives of those detained discovered several bodies near the military base.
- UN report: Independent UN experts created a report suggesting that the arrested individuals were tortured and interrogated about alleged ties to terrorists.
How did the arrests in Mali happen?
The Malian Armed Forces, supported by Russian mercenaries, conducted a military operation in the town of Sebabougou, where 100 men were detained. Most of them are shepherds from the Fulani ethnic 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.
The 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 28th April, the Malian armed forces confirmed that from 11th to 15th April 2025, they conducted military operations in several areas, including Sebabougou and Kwala. FAMA added that several combatants from "terrorist armed groups" were "neutralised" at that time.
Massacres, summary executions, and enforced disappearances have become common since the ruling Malian military junta enlisted Russian mercenaries to aid them in combating 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 organisation, revealed in its December 2024 report that similar events occurred during military operations in towns and villages in central and northern Mali.
