Geneva, 23 July 2026 — We deplore the
reported torture and killing of dozens of surrendering
Malian soldiers by the Touareg-led Azawad Liberation Front
(FLA) and the Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal-Muslimin (JNIM)
armed groups in the Gao region on 18 July.
There needs
to be a thorough and independent investigation into the
circumstances of this incident, including the actions
contained in the horrendous footage circulated online
appearing to show FLA/JNIM members firing at the soldiers
after they surrendered, with their hands behind their
heads.
Killing, torturing or abusing individuals
hors de combat is a war crime. The armed groups must
stop such violations and prevent any recurrence.
Accountability must be achieved, and those responsible must
be brought to justice within fair trials. Remedy must be
provided to victims and their
families.
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