Segou, Mali — A tragic incident in Mali’s Segou region last week has sparked outrage as nine civilians, including women and children, were killed when their vehicle came under fire.
The attack occurred on January 2 while the victims were traveling from Niono to a refugee camp in Mauritania, according to reports from civil society organizations and Tuareg rebel groups.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the Tuareg rebel coalition advocating for independence in northern Mali, alleged that Malian armed forces and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries were responsible for the attack. The local civil society group, Kal Akal, echoed these accusations, calling for accountability. 
Meanwhile, the leader of Kel Ansar, a major Tuareg group, requested an independent investigation into the killings but denied any involvement by Malian troops.
The Role of Wagner Group in Mali
The Wagner Group, a private military contractor, has operated in Mali since the military seized power in coups during 2020 and 2021. Their deployment followed the expulsion of French and UN troops and aimed to support the Malian government in combating Islamist insurgents and Tuareg separatists.
However, both Wagner and Malian forces have faced scrutiny over alleged human rights violations, with this latest incident adding to the growing criticism.
Civil society groups and international observers continue to demand transparency and justice for the victims, urging authorities to take swift action to investigate the incident.
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