Warning: This story contains descriptions of torture and physical violence. Some readers may find it distressing.
A shopkeeper has recounted to the BBC his horrific experience with Russian mercenaries in Mali, detailing their cold-blooded murders of two men before threatening him with similar fates. This chilling account, part of a broader investigation, showcases the violent strategies employed in Russia's counter-insurgency efforts.
The military junta, which took power in 2021, ousted French troops and aligned with Russian mercenaries. Eyewitnesses claim that these troops, once affiliated with the now-defunct Wagner group, have been implicated in a pattern of abuses against locals accused of collaborating with jihadist militants.
One key account comes from a former shopkeeper, nicknamed Ahmed, who fled to Mauritania after being captured and tortured by Wagner operatives. He described horrific scenes of interrogation where he was temporarily drowned as a form of torture while denying knowledge of a supposed collaborator.
Reports released by various organizations confirm the implications of the Wagner group, whose operatives reportedly documented their own violence on invitation-only social media groups. Following a significant operations shift to Africa Corps, many analysts fear the continuation of these human rights violations.
Another interviewee, Youssouf, shared his ordeal where he witnessed the brutal killing of fellow detainees and was tortured himself before facing death threats. The climate of fear has driven approximately 50,000 people to seek refuge in the M'berra camp, with many having fled after witnessing violence against their families.
Despite reports of declining brutality attributed to the shift from Wagner to Africa Corps, eyewitness accounts suggest that previous legacies of torture continue. Ahmed expressed a desperate plea for accountability, stating that the trauma of his experiences remains a nightly haunting, making it uncertain if he or other victims will ever return to normalcy.
