Executive Summary

Wagner mercenaries have established a clandestine network of prisons across Mali since 2021, mirroring tactics from other conflicts. In these black sites, Wagner mercenaries systematically detain and torture hundreds of civilians with impunity. This network duplicates brutal methods observed in other conflict zones, exacerbating civilian suffering and hindering efforts towards accountability for grave human rights violations. The Malian ruling junta, which enlisted Wagner following coups in 2020 and 2021, is either unable or unwilling to curb these abuses. As such, this contributes to a deliberate strategy of terror and forced displacement. The pervasive fear among civilians and journalists on the ground further highlights the severity of the operational environment in Mali for human rights documentation and protection efforts.

Image Sourced From: ORF