Human Rights Watch has released a damning report examining the escalation of violence in Mali following the military shift on April 25, 2026. The investigation reveals a disturbing pattern of abuses involving state forces, allied Russian units, and Islamist insurgents, all contributing to a worsening humanitarian crisis. Beyond the immediate toll of conflict, the report highlights a deliberate economic strangulation strategy that is pushing civilian populations to the brink of survival.

The fall of Kidal and the spiral of retaliation

The capture of Kidal on April 25 by a coalition of jihadist factions and separatist groups marked a turning point in Mali’s prolonged conflict. The offensive, which resulted in the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, prompted a swift and aggressive counterresponse from Bamako. The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), supported by Russian instructors from Africa Corps, launched large-scale operations aimed at reclaiming lost territory. While the military maintains strict secrecy around casualty figures, Human Rights Watch’s findings indicate that the initial clashes in Gao and Kidal alone resulted in at least 13 civilian deaths and 25 injuries.

Economic warfare: how supply chains are being weaponized

Jihadist factions aligned with Al-Qaeda have increasingly turned to economic sabotage as a tactic to pressure the central government. By enforcing roadblocks and targeting commercial transport, these groups seek to disrupt Mali’s logistical lifelines. Between May 6 and May 21, more than 40 civilian vehicles traveling to Bamako were intercepted and destroyed. The situation is even more dire for fuel deliveries, with a systematic campaign against tanker trucks since September 2025. These actions have crippled fuel distribution networks, leading to widespread electricity shortages, school closures, and the paralysis of local markets.

Public executions have also been employed as a tool of intimidation. In Tonka, near Tombouctou, a civilian was publicly executed, sending a chilling message to any who might resist the group’s rule.

Humanitarian fallout: a crisis fueled by two sides

• Jihadist strategy: Roadblocks and fuel attacks → energy shortages, inflation, and market collapses.
• State response: Drone strikes and ground operations → civilian displacement and mass casualties.

Civilian suffering amid military operations

The Malian Armed Forces and Africa Corps have also been implicated in severe human rights violations. In central Mali, communities from the Fulani ethnic group have been disproportionately targeted due to widespread allegations of ties with insurgent movements. Between May 14 and 17, Human Rights Watch documented 38 civilian deaths during ground incursions, including 23 children. The use of advanced drone technology has further exacerbated the crisis:

• Guimbé (April 25): An airstrike killed 12 children and teenagers.
• Téné (May 17): A drone strike struck a wedding ceremony, leaving 10 civilians dead.

The silence of authorities and the failure of accountability

When questioned about the targeting of civilians and the economic blockade, the leadership of the jihadist coalition claimed that those killed were defying the group’s imposed regulations. Meanwhile, Mali’s Ministry of Justice has remained unresponsive to requests for clarification or opportunities to address the allegations presented by human rights organizations.

A plea for international intervention

Human Rights Watch has called for an urgent international investigation to address the blatant violations of international humanitarian law, which prohibits indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Ilaria Allegrozzi, Sahel researcher for the organization, warns that the absence of accountability mechanisms—particularly following the withdrawal of the former UN mission—has deepened the country’s descent into lawlessness. The report urges the African Union and the United Nations to sponsor an independent fact-finding mission to gather critical evidence for future prosecutions.