In a deeply disturbing incident in central Mali, the Malian armed forces have been accused of arresting and killing approximately two dozen Fulani civilians who were reportedly rounded up at a local livestock market, according to a local activist speaking to Reuters.
The alleged massacre occurred on Monday in Diafarabe, a rural community situated along the Niger River. Survivors claim the victims were forcibly taken by canoe to a nearby island, where they were executed—some reportedly had their throats slit—before being buried in a mass grave.
The activist, who is affiliated with Tabital Pulaaku, an international organization representing Fulani communities, shared these details anonymously due to security concerns.
In response to the incident, women from Diafarabe led a rare and courageous protest on Wednesday, demanding answers about the fate of their missing relatives. Their demonstration marks a significant act of civil resistance in a region where public dissent is often suppressed.
Despite multiple inquiries, Mali's military has not issued a statement regarding the alleged killings.
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The country’s security forces have been operating alongside Russian mercenaries—formerly known as the Wagner Group, now rebranded as Africa Corps—who have also remained silent on the matter. Human Rights Watch has previously accused both groups of committing grave human rights violations.
Tensions have been rising in Mali following the discovery of decomposed bodies near a military camp in Koulikoro, prompting the United Nations to call for a formal investigation last month.
The West African nation has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021. Following the expulsions of French and other Western troops, the junta has increasingly relied on Russia for military assistance.
However, domestic discontent is growing. Many Malians are frustrated with delayed elections, authoritarian crackdowns, and the national council's recent recommendation to extend transitional leader Assimi Goita's term by five more years while dissolving all political parties.
In response, hundreds of citizens took to the streets this month, chanting pro-democracy slogans such as "Down with dictatorship, long live democracy," in one of the largest recent protests against the ruling junta.
