DAKAR — A horrific incident in northern Mali has left approximately 20 civilians dead, sparking accusations against the Wagner Group mercenaries and the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA). The attack, which occurred on Monday, targeted two civilian vehicles traveling towards Algeria, according to multiple local sources who spoke with Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the attack. A relative of one of the drivers, speaking to AFP from Gao on condition of anonymity, described the scene. The vehicles, carrying a mix of illegal migrants and nomads, were allegedly ambushed by a joint patrol of Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers. "They encountered a group of Wagner mercenaries and some Malian soldiers who shot at them," the relative stated. "In the first car, everyone died. My cousin too." This account suggests a deliberate targeting of civilians, with no apparent provocation.

While the Malian army initially declined to comment, a military source later refuted the claims, stating that an investigation was underway and that "the army killed no one." This denial contradicts the multiple testimonies gathered by AFP and raises concerns about transparency and accountability. A representative from the Gao region confirmed the civilian deaths, stating, "What happened is serious. These were civilians who were killed in the two vehicles in the Tilemsi region. In total, in the two vehicles, there are at least 20 dead."

The Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA), a separatist rebel group, issued a strong condemnation, accusing the "Bamako junta" of continuing "ethnic cleansing against the Azawad population." The FLA claimed that two vehicles were intercepted by the "terrorist coalition FAMA/Wagner," and that "at least 24 people, including women and children, were coldly executed by the Malian army and Wagner's Russian mercenaries." The discrepancy in the death toll between local sources and the FLA statement highlights the difficulty in verifying information in conflict zones.

This latest incident underscores the complex and volatile security situation in Mali. The country has been plagued by violence from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-affiliated groups for over a decade. Following coups in 2020 and 2021, the military junta has increasingly relied on the Wagner Group for support, severing ties with former colonial power France. This partnership has drawn significant criticism due to Wagner's documented history of human rights abuses and its destabilizing influence in other African nations.

The allegations against Wagner and the Malian military are consistent with previous reports of atrocities committed against civilians. Human Rights Watch, in a December report, denounced the "atrocities" committed by the Malian army and its Russian ally, Wagner, as well as by Islamist armed groups. These reports detail a pattern of indiscriminate violence, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses targeting civilian populations.

The international community is now facing renewed calls to investigate these latest allegations and hold those responsible to account. The ongoing presence of the Wagner Group in Mali raises serious concerns about the potential for further human rights violations and the long-term stability of the region. The need for a credible and independent investigation is paramount to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future tragedies. The Malian government's cooperation with such an investigation will be a crucial test of its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.