A joint statement by Amnesty International and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is drawing sharp attention to alleged extrajudicial executions of approximately 20 civilians in Diafarabé, in Mali’s Mopti region.

According to eyewitness accounts, the killings were carried out by members of the Malian armed forces (FAMa), reportedly accompanied by dozo militiamen. The two human rights organizations have called on Malian judicial authorities to launch an independent, impartial, and swift investigation to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.

In their release on Wednesday, both Amnesty and FIDH denounced the recurrence of grave human rights violations by various armed actors in Mali’s ongoing conflict. They stated that the Diafarabé killings could amount to war crimes and warned of a deepening climate of impunity.

The organizations are urging Mali’s international partners to step up support in the fight against impunity and to ensure justice and reparation for victims. Ousmane Diallo, a Senior Researcher at Amnesty’s West and Central Africa office, emphasized the need for decisive international action.