Mali's Tragic Village Attacks: Calls for Justice Amid Rising Violence

The Human Rights Watch reported that Mali's military and militias killed at least 31 people in attacks on two villages in the central Segou region. These attacks were allegedly against villagers accused of collaborating with al Qaeda-linked insurgents. An investigation into the killings has been urged.

In a damning report, Human Rights Watch has accused Mali's military and allied militias of killing at least 31 civilians in two separate attacks in the central Segou region. The region, known for insurgent activity linked to al Qaeda, has seen increasing violence.

The first attack, occurring on October 2 in Kamona, resulted in the deaths of 21 men, with homes being set ablaze. A second attack in Balle, 55 km away, left 10 others dead, including a woman.

Witnesses described harrowing scenes, including executions following accusations of collaboration with the al Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin. With the African Union and Mali's government under pressure, HRW is urging an investigation and international accountability.

(With inputs from agencies.)