The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed deep concern and shock over the alleged summary executions of 25 individuals by Mali’s army and foreign military personnel. He also expressed alarm at the killings of approximately 30 civilians in attacks in central Mali. Gathering information in Mali is challenging due to factors such as its vast geography, poor communications infrastructure, and security issues. Rebel violence that began in northern Mali in 2012 has spread to the central regions, resulting in a significant number of deaths and dire humanitarian consequences. Mali is currently under military rule and has shifted its alliances away from France towards Russia, including withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Accusations of human rights abuses by the Malian army and its allies have been made by the UN and local sources, but investigations into these allegations have not produced successful outcomes thus far. The UN rights chief called for thorough and impartial investigations into the alleged abuses and for those responsible to be held accountable.
