**Russian Wagner Mercenaries Exposed for Human Rights Abuses in Mali**
A shocking investigation has revealed that Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group have been detaining, torturing, and forcibly disappearing hundreds of civilians in secret prisons across Mali. The joint investigation, published on June 12 by Forbidden Stories, France 24, Le Monde, and IStories, sheds light on the brutal treatment of civilians at the hands of the Wagner Group.
According to the investigation, Wagner mercenaries, working alongside Malian government forces, have systematically abducted and detained civilians in prisons located at former United Nations bases and military bases across Mali. The report found that prisoners were subjected to systematic torture, including beatings, waterboarding, electric shocks, starvation, and confinement in sweltering metal containers.
**Six Secret Prisons Exposed**
The investigation identified six detention centers where Wagner held civilians between 2022 and 2024. However, it is likely that the total number of Wagner detention centers in Mali is much higher. The use of satellite imagery and eyewitness accounts provided crucial evidence to support these findings.
This disturbing report serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing human rights abuses perpetrated by the Wagner Group. As a global community, we must acknowledge and condemn such atrocities.
**Background on the Viktoriia Project**
The investigation was carried out as part of the Viktoriia project, in memory of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was captured by Russian forces in 2023 while investigating the illegal detention of civilians in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Tragically, she was killed in Russian captivity in 2024.
**Wagner’s Presence Across Africa**
The Wagner Group has a strong presence across the African continent, backing Russian business interests and Moscow-friendly regimes. They have been particularly active in Mali since late 2021 and have been accused of perpetrating war crimes. In December 2024, Human Rights Watch accused Wagner mercenaries and Malian government forces of deliberately killing 32 civilians.
**Conclusion**
The recent announcement by the Wagner Group of their withdrawal from Mali is a welcome development, but it does not erase the harm already done to countless civilians. It is imperative that we hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and continue to support independent journalism efforts, like the one behind this investigation, to ensure that the truth is revealed.
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