Mauritania has accused Mali’s army of crimes against its Mauritanians after dozens of protesters said their fellow citizens had been killed “in cold blood.”
The ministry said Mali’s ambassador, Mohamed Dibassy, was called in to hear the “strong protest” against the army’s “recurrent criminal acts” after some Mauritanians vanished just over the border.
In January, seven Mauritanians died in a border region. After an investigation, Bamako released a statement saying that its army had nothing to do with the deaths.
During the weekend, two Mauritanians were shot at on their way back to Abel Bagrou, near the Malian border. According to reports, some of the killed Mauritians had ties to jihadist groups in Mali.
According to the website Jeune Afrique, the men were shot by a group “affiliated with Mali’s army,” which is believed to be the Russian Wagner Group. It is believed that Russia is helping Mali to combat jihadist militants.
Mauritania’s accusation has not been responded to by Mali’s ruling military junta.
Mauritania is helping Mali overcome the isolation imposed by the West African regional body Ecowas following the military takeover.