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HRW Says Malian Forces and Dozo Militias Killed 31 Civilians in Segou Villages

The rights group presses for credible investigations following contested military operations.

Overview

  • Human Rights Watch reports at least 31 civilians were killed on October 2 and 13, 2025, in Kamona and Balle in central Segou.
  • Witnesses described soldiers and allied Dozo militiamen rounding up villagers accused of aiding JNIM and carrying out summary executions.
  • In Kamona, at least 21 men were killed and homes were burned; in Balle, nine men and one woman were killed and at least 100 cattle were taken.
  • The Malian army said an October 13 operation near Balle neutralized about 20 terrorists and reported seizing equipment, disputing the civilian toll.
  • HRW said it sought responses from Mali’s justice and defense ministries on November 8 without reply and urged stronger African Union engagement on accountability.