Rights group accuses Russian paramilitaries of killing nine in Mali

Human Rights Watch said Monday that Russian paramilitary forces operating under the Africa Corps banner carried out killings of nine civilians in Mali, with the alleged deaths occurring in the presence of Malian armed forces.

The rights organization did not provide a specific date or location for the incident in its initial statement, but the allegations add to mounting concerns about the conduct of Russian private military contractors across the African continent.

Russia has expanded its military footprint in Mali in recent years, with Africa Corps personnel embedded alongside Malian troops in various operations. The deployment has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and Western governments over accountability and potential violations of international humanitarian law.

Mali's government has not immediately responded to the allegations. Relations between Bamako and Western nations have deteriorated amid the country's military junta's perceived embrace of Russian military support and distancing from traditional Western partners.

The incident underscores broader questions about oversight mechanisms for private military companies operating in conflict zones, particularly regarding the protection of civilian populations and adherence to international law.