Human Rights Watch, says Malian soldiers and jihadists have carried out a wave of summary executions since December in the conflict-torn Sahel state, which is urging the government to investigate.

The right agency in a report due to be published Wednesday said at least 107 civilians – including traders, village chiefs and children – had been killed recently in central and southwestern Mali since December.

HRW Sahel director Corinne Dufka, said most of the victims were summarily executed, which is based on the testimony of 49 people.