Over the weekend, the Malian military announced the discovery of a mass grave in Kidal, a northeastern town that was recently reclaimed from Tuareg rebels.
“This mass grave recalls the atrocities committed by these terrorists who have neither faith nor law,” the army said in a statement late Saturday.
During “operations to secure Kidal,” the discovery was reportedly made on Thursday, although no additional details were provided, according to the statement.
The military stated that it is conducting investigations aimed at “bring those responsible to justice.”
Mali’s army regained control of Kidal, a stronghold for Tuareg separatists, on November 14, marking the first time since 2014 that the area had been under central government authority.
After the departure of United Nations Mission in Mali (Minusma) forces from their camp in Kidal on October 31, in accordance with an agreement to withdraw from the country by year-end, the town was retaken.
Following a coup in 2020, the military assumed control in Mali. In June of this year, strained relations between the army and Minusma led to Mali requesting the departure of the UN mission.
The removal of approximately 11,600 UN soldiers and 1,500 police officers has escalated tensions in the northern region of the country, an area disputed by the central government, Tuareg separatists, and Islamic militants.
The separatist factions object to Minusma’s camps being transferred to the Malian army, citing violations of ceasefire agreements established in 2014 and 2015.
The conflict between the Tuareg factions and the army has reignited, with the separatists frequently alleging that the army and their Russian mercenary allies from the Wagner group are engaging in abuses against civilians.