Eyewitness Accounts of Atrocities by Russian Mercenaries in Mali

Wed Nov 26 2025 17:19:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In chilling testimonies, survivors recount the brutal tactics of Russian mercenaries in Mali amid a counter-insurgency campaign against Islamist militants.

Survivors of attacks carried out by Russian mercenaries in Mali provide harrowing accounts of torture and execution. Eyewitnesses report cold-blooded killings and widespread human rights violations during a brutal anti-jihadist campaign. Recent reports highlight the involvement of the Wagner Group and its successor, the Africa Corps, in these atrocities, as the international community remains concerned about ongoing violence and the impact on civilians.

Warning: This story contains descriptions of torture and physical violence. Some readers may find it distressing.

A shopkeeper has detailed to the BBC how Russian mercenaries carried out the cold-blooded murder of two men before threatening him directly. This incident is among many testimonies revealing the brutal tactics employed by these fighters during counter-insurgency efforts in Mali, methods that have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights defenders.

Since a military junta took power in Mali in 2021 and expelled French troops under accusations of ineffectiveness, the junta's relationship with Russia has strengthened, enlisting the assistance of the controversial Wagner Group. Following Wagner's withdrawal, operations have transitioned to a new entity known as the Africa Corps.

Evidently, previous Wagner members shared horrific documentation of their actions via a now-defunct Telegram channel, showcasing acts of murder, torture, and other brutalities against civilians and insurgents alike.

Ahmed, an unnamed shopkeeper who now lives in a refugee camp in Mauritania, recounted harrowing experiences at the hands of these mercenaries in Nampala, highlighting a wave of terror that has forced around 50,000 people to flee to safety.

In a separate account, other victims described severe beatings and torture, including threats of execution, reflecting a sustained pattern of violence that has persisted even after the formal withdrawal of Wagner forces.

Despite the apparent shift to Africa Corps, some analysts warn that the legacy of human rights violations lives on, and reports suggest that while overall violence may have decreased, the fear and trauma remain deeply rooted within affected communities.