25 October 2026
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) expresses its grave concern over the serious violations documented by Human Rights Watch in its report published on 19 October 2026, concerning military operations conducted by the Malian Armed Forces and their allies, as well as abuses committed by armed groups in central and northern Mali.
According to the report, dozens of civilians have been killed or injured in military attacks. These include a drone strike on a livestock market in Tombonkore village, Bandiagara Region, on 19 August 2026, which killed six civilians and injured at least 20 others. Another strike targeted a health centre in Talahandak village, Kidal Region, on 29 July, reportedly damaging parts of the medical facility.
Of particular concern is the killing of five girls aged between 10 and 13 by Malian soldiers on 12 July 2026, while they were working in a rice field in the Niono area of Ségou Region. Although military personnel reportedly apologised to the victims’ families and acknowledged an operational error, no official investigation or compensation had been announced as of mid-September 2026, according to the report.
The report also documents abuses against civilians by Dozo militias in the Mopti Region, as well as the torture and execution of at least 19 Malian soldiers captured by fighters belonging to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) in the Taberichat area of Gao Region.
CFJ stresses that these violations, if established, may constitute serious breaches of international humanitarian law, particularly Common Article 3 of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, Articles 4, 11 and 13 of Additional Protocol II of 1977, and Article 8(2)(c) and Article 8(2)(e) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, concerning war crimes in non-international armed conflicts.
CFJ further emphasises that civilians, children and medical facilities enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law. All parties to the conflict must respect the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities.
CFJ calls on the Malian authorities and all parties to the conflict to:
- Launch independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all reported killings of civilians and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including the killing of the five girls.
- Ensure that all individuals responsible for violations are held accountable, including commanders where applicable under international law.
- Immediately cease indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks and ensure the protection of civilians, medical facilities, markets and schools.
- Establish the fate and whereabouts of all persons subjected to detention or enforced disappearance, ensure humane treatment of detainees, and prevent torture and extrajudicial executions.
- Guarantee humanitarian access and provide effective remedies and appropriate compensation to victims and their families.
CFJ also urges the African Union, the United Nations and relevant international and regional human rights mechanisms to intensify their monitoring of the situation in Mali, press for effective and independent investigations, and take concrete measures to prevent further violations and end impunity.
CFJ reiterates that the fight against armed groups can never justify attacks against civilians or violations of international humanitarian law. Protecting civilian lives and ensuring justice and accountability for victims are legal obligations that must not be postponed.
Committee for Justice (CFJ)- sahel
