CITIZEN WATCH OBSERVATORY FOR THE DEFENSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE OF AZAWAD, “KAL AKAL ASSOCIATION”
REPORT No. 03/MHB/2025
Period: March 2025
Date: April 1, 2025
Introduction
The Kal-Akal Association is a civil society organization based in Kidal, dedicated to defending the human rights of the people of Azawad. As a non-profit, it works to promote education, preserve cultural heritage, foster social cohesion, and advocate for human rights.
Its documentation efforts cover all regions of Azawad as well as parts of central Mali. Through a network of local contacts and anonymous sources, Kal-Akal collects information on human rights violations without regard for the perpetrators, targets, or motives.
CHRONICLE OF ATROCITIES COMMITTED IN AZAWAD: A Tragically Violent and Cruel March 2025
March 2025 was marked by an escalation of violence in the northern regions of Azawad. Civilians, already suffering from months of insecurity, endured brutal atrocities perpetrated by the Malian army and its allies—the Russian Wagner mercenaries—as well as armed groups such as JNIM and Katiba Macina.
This report provides a rigorous and detailed account of the mass human rights violations committed during this month, while once again calling on the international community to act in the face of this tragedy.
I. SUMMARY EXECUTIONS AND TARGETED KILLINGS: 35 confirmed cases
March 4, 2025: Two blacksmiths, kidnapped two months earlier by FAMa-Wagner in Mema, were found dead.
March 10, 2025: Albu Ould Ahmattah, a 20-year-old man, was intercepted and killed by FAMa-Wagner in Er-Intejeft (Ber commune, Timbuktu). His car was burned.
March 16, 2025: FAMa-Wagner airstrikes in Ajder (Timbuktu) killed 17 civilians and injured 7. Most victims were herders and traders.
March 17, 2025: A Malian drone strike targeted a civilian vehicle in Tagourast (Achibogo), killing two (Hamad Lamine Ag Hoga and Ghissa Ag El Mahdi) and injuring three others.
March 18, 2025: FAMa-Wagner drone strike on a commercial area in Chamio (Banikane) killed 12 Songhai civilians loading a truck.
March 28, 2025: Two young Arab men traveling with their livestock were executed by FAMa-Wagner west of Nampla.
March 29, 2025: Two civilians on a motorcycle were executed by FAMa-Wagner in Tinsalane (Tessalit).
March 29, 2025: The body of Aghali Ag Wadosan, abducted on March 27 by FAMa-Wagner, was found near Tessalit.
II. ABDUCTIONS, FORCED DISAPPEARANCES, AND TORTURE: 15 confirmed cases
March 3, 2025: Three civilians arrested in Ibdakan (Kidal) by FAMa-Wagner and taken to the Adjelhoc military camp.
March 12, 2025: Arrest of Dola Ag Tourka and Ibrahim Ag Tourka in Aguelhok.
March 13, 2025: Several people arrested around Lake Télé (including two elderly men). Their fate remains unknown.
March 27, 2025:
Five civilians arrested in Iniskak and detained in Eched (Tessalit) by FAMa-Wagner.
Three people arrested at the Algerian border on the BBM axis (Tessalit) by FAMa-Wagner.
March 31, 2025: Arrest of Salick Oueld Moustapha Bouhandaoui in Timbuktu by FAMa-Wagner.
III. LOOTING, DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, AND ECONOMIC VIOLENCE: 9 confirmed cases
March 4, 2025:
Three shops burned in Ebang Malane (Gossi) by FAMa-Wagner.
Destruction of a mini-water supply system in Tinfadimata (Ménaka) by FAMa-Wagner.
March 5, 2025: Nomadic camps burned and looted in In Tadayne and Tamia (Ménaka) by FAMa-Wagner.
March 10, 2025: The village of Fatakara (Goundam) was forced to evacuate under threat from JNIM.
March 13, 2025:
Nomadic camps burned in Er-Intadjeft (Ber) by FAMa-Wagner.
A Fulani village burned near Nampla by FAMa-Wagner.
March 21, 2025: Livestock stolen by JNIM near Gao (Kossaye, Oussaga).
March 25, 2025: Extortion of 15,000 CFA per person at Wabaria market (Gao) by FAMa-Wagner.
March 28, 2025: FAMa-Wagner started a bushfire in Ghatay/Adjelhoc.
March 31, 2025: A FAMa drone struck Abdolahi’s home in Boujbeha (Taoudénit), injuring one person and destroying five civilian vehicles (three trucks, a Toyota Hilux, and a pickup).
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE: 4 confirmed cases
March 4, 2025:
Destruction of a water tower and electric motor supplying water in Tinfadimata (Ménaka), depriving locals of clean water (FAMa-Wagner).
A bushfire was deliberately set by FAMa-Wagner in the same area, destroying vital pastures for nomadic herders.
March 13, 2025: Deliberate burning of nomadic camps and pastures in Er-Intadjer (Ber) and near Nampla by FAMa-Wagner, worsening desertification.
March 28, 2025: FAMa-Wagner set a bushfire in Ghatay/Adjelhoc, destroying hundreds of hectares of farmland and pasture.
March 31, 2025: FAMa-Wagner drone strikes on vehicles in Boujbeha (Taoudénit) risked contaminating soil and groundwater with explosives and fuel residues.
These systematic acts of environmental destruction have devastating long-term consequences.
V. RAPE: 1 confirmed case
March 27, 2025: A woman in a truck intercepted at the Algerian border was raped by FAMa-Wagner. She was evacuated to BBM (Algeria).
VI. HUMANITARIAN CONSEQUENCES: Displacement and Deteriorating Living Conditions
Mass displacement from Fatakara to Goundam following JNIM threats.
Refugee influx into Algeria, particularly to Timeyawen.
Destruction of vital infrastructure (water, markets, homes) by FAMa-Wagner and jihadist groups.
Conclusion
AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION
The Kal-Akal Association strongly condemns these atrocities, which constitute war crimes and blatant violations of international humanitarian law. We urge the international community to:
Protect civilians by strengthening monitoring and protection mechanisms.
End impunity by bringing perpetrators to justice.
Ensure humanitarian access to affected regions.
Kal-Akal will continue its work documenting violations and assisting victims, despite growing risks.
Images of the Crimes
- March 24, 2025: A FAMa-Wagner drone strike in Mandiakoye (40 km west of Tagharouste/Gourma-Rharous) caused massive material damage.
- March 18, 2025: A Malian drone strike on a civilian truck in Zarho (Timbuktu) killed 13 and injured several civilians.
- March 21, 2025: Two children and their mother were killed in Achibagho/Kidal in a Malian drone strike.
Association Contact Details
- Facebook: https://cutt.ly/Fekd7aMb
- Blog: https://www.kal-akal.com/
- Twitter: https://x.com/kalakal2012/
