Mali: Note on trends of violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law in Mali, 1 April – 30 June 2021

Today the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) published its quarterly announcement on trends in human rights abuses and abuses in Mali. It covers the period from April 1 to June 30, 2021.

The second quarter of the year was marked by an increase in the number of civilians affected by violations and violations of international human rights and violations of international humanitarian law. At least 527 civilians were killed, injured or abducted / disappeared between April and June, a total of more than 25% more than in the first quarter (421). The main acts of violence against civilians and property occurred in the cercles of Bandiagara, Djenne, Douentza, Koro, Mopti, Niono and Ségou (50%) and in those of Ansongo and Gao (15%).

Most of the violent incidents against civilians were committed by the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslim (JNIM), the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) and other similar groups that killed, injured, or abducted 54% of the nationwide recorded victims. This was followed by community-based militias and self-defense groups (20%).

Human rights violations were also documented during security operations by the Malian defense and security forces (MDSF) as well as international and regional forces. These accounted for 9% and 6% of the total number of victims in the reporting period.

JNIM and similar groups continued to strengthen their territorial position, particularly in the rural areas of central Mali, with a notable expansion of their activities to the southern regions of the country, namely Ségou and Sikasso.

Through local “non-aggression or reconciliation agreements” signed under duress by oppressed communities, these groups were also able to draconian restrictions on the exercise of fundamental freedoms, especially against women. In addition, the violence continues against the background of intercommunal tensions, which further fragment the social fabric.

Given this situation, the reaction is the MDSF and international armed forces have focused on protecting strategic urban centers and conducting military operations while trying to regain control of some rural areas. These operations may result in serious human rights violations against the local population. The lack of judicial authorities in these areas makes the fight against impunity difficult and creates opportunities for JNIM and similar groups to mobilize support within local communities.

MINUSMA welcomes the efforts of the transitional authorities to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. In this context, mention should be made of the recent criminal proceedings in Mopti and the signing of penal orders against members of the military allegedly involved in violations of civilians.

Distributed by APO Group, on behalf of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

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