Name: Mali conflict survivors recount sexual violence, killings
Uploaded: 2025-12-14T17:28:47.925Z
Duration: 1 min 54 s
Description: The United Nations has reported abuses on all sides. But the allegations against Africa Corps are new, and the AP is reporting them for the first time.

The United Nations has reported abuses on all sides. But the allegations against Africa Corps are new, and the AP is reporting them for the first time.

Bamako

Survivors of the conflict in Mali have accused Africa Corp, a newly formed Russian-controlled military unit, of committing sexual violence and killings. The Associated Press interviewed 34 refugees in Mauritania, most of whom alleged abuses including rape and beheadings, with several women describing attempted rape by Africa Corp fighters.

The United Nations has documented human rights abuses by all parties in the conflict, but these are the first public accusations against Africa Corp. Aid workers and the UN report that fear of reprisals, limited access to care, and stigma contribute to the underreporting of sexual violence in the region.

Mali conflict survivors recount sexual violence, killings

The Associated Press gained re-access to a refugee camp where Malians accused Africa Corp, a new military unit under Russian control, of abuses. The United Nations has documented abuses committed by all parties involved. However, the accusations against the Africa Corp are new, and this is the first time AP is reporting on them. I remain convinced that the people fleeing Mali to seek refuge here could also be in the same condition, but they just don't ask for care immediately. They only come when things have already become complicated, like the case we saw today. Otherwise, many more might have been victims of that sexual violence, but they prefer to keep it a secret. The Associated Press spoke with 34 refugees in and near the camp in neighbouring Mauritania. Most of them alleged abuses, including rapes and beheadings. These people don't even talk to us. As soon as they encounter someone, they kill them, whether it's a shepherd or a pedestrian or someone just looking for something to eat. The Associated Press also learned of four additional alleged cases of sexual violence, including incidents described by women as attempted rape by Africa Corp's fighters. There's a lot of crimes committed in Mali, human rights crimes. There's a lot of people raped, attacked, killed. Families are separated, no doubt about that. I think the situation has not changed. As we said, it's sometimes difficult to really pinpoint who are the perpetrators. The reporting of sexual violence is now due to fear of reprisals, lack of access to care and deep shame surrounding sexual assaults, according to the UN and aid workers.

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