Deadly attacks by Malian army and allies in central region
Civilian massacres in Mali’s Ségou region linked to army and allied militias
The Malian military and allied dozos militias have been accused of killing at least 31 civilians and burning homes during coordinated raids in the conflict-stricken Ségou region on October 2 and 13. These attacks, which targeted villages under the control of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM or JNIM), a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, have raised serious concerns about accountability and human rights violations in central Mali.
The October 2 assault on Kamona left at least 21 men dead and 10 homes destroyed, according to local testimonies. Survivors reported that soldiers and dozos fighters, identifiable by their camouflage uniforms and traditional amulets, executed men after accusing them of collaborating with GSIM. Many villagers fled upon hearing warnings from GSIM fighters, but those who remained were systematically targeted. The village was under GSIM control, and no clashes were reported between the armed group and the military before the attack.
A local herder recounted discovering 17 bodies under a tree, all shot at close range, including a man whose skull was shattered. Survivors provided a list of 21 male victims, aged between 20 and 65, though some villagers claimed up to 15 additional men may have been killed in surrounding areas. At least 10 huts and three storage sheds belonging to Fulani residents were set ablaze during the raid.
On October 13, soldiers and dozos militants targeted Balle, a village under GSIM control where residents had reportedly paid Islamic taxes (zakat) to the group for years. The attack left 10 civilians dead, including a 55-year-old woman, and resulted in the theft of over 100 cattle. Witnesses described soldiers conducting door-to-door searches, beating men, and executing civilians at point-blank range. A survivor recalled finding the bodies of the victims, some with broken limbs, lying next to each other in the village center.
The Malian army claimed the October 13 operation was a successful “offensive reconnaissance” that neutralized “around twenty terrorists” and seized military equipment. However, residents disputed these claims, stating that Balle had been under GSIM control for years with no military presence. The attack followed a GSIM siege on Bamako in early September, which disrupted fuel supplies and led to the temporary closure of all schools and universities in the capital.
Human rights organizations have documented repeated abuses by Malian forces and allied militias during counterinsurgency operations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and destruction of property. The GSIM and other armed groups have also been implicated in grave violations, including attacks on civilians. Since 2012, the conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced over 400,000 people.
Under international humanitarian law, all parties to the conflict must uphold the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on civilians, murder, and cruel treatment. Violations with criminal intent may constitute war crimes. Despite Mali’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in September, the country remains a State Party to the Rome Statute until September 2026, and the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed during this period.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has faced criticism for its limited response to the escalating crisis. While the council has issued statements expressing concern, activists urge stronger diplomatic efforts, regional coordination, and accountability mechanisms to address abuses by all parties involved.
Calls for accountability and justice
Human rights advocates stress the urgent need for credible, impartial investigations into the October massacres. Survivors and local leaders demand that perpetrators—whether military personnel or allied militias—be held accountable through fair judicial processes. The lack of response from Malian authorities to formal inquiries raises further concerns about transparency and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
The recent attacks underscore the deepening humanitarian crisis in central Mali, where communities remain trapped between armed groups and state forces. As tensions rise and accountability falters, the international community is being called upon to prioritize Mali in peacekeeping and human rights efforts.
