Residents of Zouéra, a commune in Mali’s Tombouctou region, are reported to be fleeing their homes after alleged execution by the Malian army and Russian mercenary group, Wagner.
This was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, in a post on his X handle on Thursday.
Makama, citing sources, said more than a dozen civilians have been killed in the last 48 hours, with reports of arbitrary executions and widespread fear among the population.
“The army arrived with Wagner mercenaries and started searching homes. They accused people of collaborating with armed groups, and soon after, the killings began,” a fleeing resident, who requested anonymity, said.
Malian authorities have not commented on the development.
However, security sources indicate that military operations were ongoing in the Tombouctou region, where the army has been battling Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups.
Video:
Civilians Flee as Malian Army, Wagner Mercenaries Allegedly Kill Dozens in Zouéra
Residents of Zouéra, a commune in Mali’s Tombouctou region, are fleeing their homes following alleged exactions by the Malian army and Russian mercenary group, Wagner, sources said on Thursday.… pic.twitter.com/fbkjZDsbtX
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) February 13, 2025
