Wagner Mercenaries: A Campaign of Terror in Mali

Wagner mercenaries in Mali are perpetrating terror, driving civilians from their homes and sparking a refugee crisis. Their coordination with the Malian military has led to numerous atrocities, expanding the group’s influence and support for the Kremlin. This violence affects primarily non-combatants, contradicting the government’s claims of targeting extremists. As the refugee population surges, critical humanitarian concerns regarding safety and human rights abuses grow.

In Mali, Russian Wagner mercenaries are orchestrating a campaign of terror, driving families from their homes and exacerbating an ongoing refugee crisis. Collaborating with Malian forces, these mercenaries have committed atrocities, including massacres and village burnings, particularly in northern Mali. Reports from residents, such as herder Kossi ag Mohamed, describe the unprecedented violence as a catastrophe.

Since the Malian military junta began collaborating with Wagner in late 2021, following a coup that ousted the democratically elected president, the group’s presence has significantly expanded. Although Yevgeniy Prigozhin, Wagner’s founder, was killed in a recent plane crash, the mercenaries continue to operate as a covert extension of Russia’s Defense Ministry. Their growing influence provides vital resources to the Kremlin amid international sanctions.

While the Malian government justifies its partnership with Wagner as necessary for combating Tuareg separatist movements and extremist factions, civilians have suffered the most severe consequences. Analysts suggest that Wagner employs indiscriminate violence against non-combatants, contributing to skyrocketing civilian deaths. Héni Nsaibia from ACLED states their actions demonstrate a policy of terror aimed at local populations.

As an increasing number of refugees escape to camps in nearby Mauritania, testimonies reveal that many fled due to attacks by Wagner and allied government forces rather than Islamist militants. Additionally, numerous reports highlight incidents of sexual violence perpetrated by Wagner operatives against women, further compounding the terror inflicted on communities.

Experts note the expansion of Wagner’s operations, particularly into northern Mali, where they have engaged in significant military action against Tuareg rebels. Despite past controversies and setbacks, their activities continue to intensify, evidenced by increased recruitment and military logistics supplied from Russia. The tension between civilians and Wagner’s mercenaries reflects the broader instability in the region, leaving many fleeing without a clear refuge or safety.

Life in refugee areas, such as Mbera camp, now housing approximately 149,000 individuals, is challenging. Tensions have surged as families arrive, often escaping violence in a desperate search for security. Reports of killings by Wagner patrols in border areas further exacerbate fears among the displaced. The impact of this mercenary force on local populations raises profound humanitarian concerns, as the violence appears systematic and pervasive.

The Wagner Group’s violent actions in Mali have instigated a profound humanitarian crisis characterized by rampant terror and brutality toward civilians. The collaboration with the Malian military, initially framed as a counterinsurgency effort, has resulted in a drastic increase in civilian casualties. As thousands flee towards refugee camps, testimony suggests that the true threat comes not from extremists but from state-affiliated forces. The rising presence of Wagner mercenaries has become emblematic of the pervasive violence in Mali, leaving many to grapple with the dire consequences of their actions.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com