UN Experts Alarmed by Potential War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in Mali

Edition: Widad WAHBI

More than a dozen independent UN experts have expressed deep concern over potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in Mali, following the discovery of multiple bodies near a Malian army camp.

These experts, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council but not speaking on behalf of the UN, issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning the alleged summary execution of several dozen individuals, as well as the forced disappearance of others.

Eduardo Gonzalez, the UN’s independent expert on the human rights situation in Mali, was among the signatories. The experts warned that such unlawful killings could constitute war crimes, while enforced disappearances, if part of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, could amount to crimes against humanity.

The statement urged Malian authorities to carry out prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into these alleged violations.

According to local witnesses and a civil society organization, the bodies were discovered near a Malian military camp just days after dozens of civilians—mostly members of the Fulani community—were arrested by the Malian army alongside paramilitaries affiliated with Russia’s Wagner group.

The developments have triggered serious international concern and renewed calls for accountability, transparency, and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. The UN experts emphasized that bringing justice to victims and upholding human rights is essential to restoring peace and stability in Mali.