Name: Russian-led Africa corps accused of atrocities in Mali
Uploaded: 2025-12-15T10:13:46.890Z
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

The Associated Press has reported new allegations of human rights abuses by Africa Corp, a Russian-led military unit operating in Mali. Refugees interviewed in Mauritania described incidents of rape, beheadings, and indiscriminate killings, with many victims reluctant to come forward due to fear and stigma.

The United Nations has documented abuses by multiple parties in Mali, but these are the first reported accusations specifically against Africa Corp. Aid workers and the UN note that sexual violence is likely underreported due to fear of reprisals, limited access to care, and social stigma.

Russian-led Africa corps accused of atrocities in Mali

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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