Warning: This story contains descriptions of torture and physical violence. Some readers may find it distressing.
A shopkeeper has told the BBC how Russian mercenaries fighting jihadists in Mali carried out the cold-blooded murder of two men in front of him and then threatened to chop off his fingers and kill him too.
This is one of several similar testimonies collected by the BBC showing the tactics used by the Russian fighters as they waged a brutal counter-insurgency operation against Islamist militants in the West African nation - methods widely condemned by human rights groups.
A military junta seized power in Mali in 2021, forcing French troops to leave after accusing them of failing to stem the insurgency. The junta pivoted towards Russia, enlisting the help of the Wagner mercenary group. Wagner has since withdrawn, with operations now under the Africa Corps, linked to Russia's defense ministry.
Notably, documentation revealed that former Wagner members shared atrocities in Telegram groups, highlighting a grim pattern of violence including murder, torture, and threats against civilians.
Ahmed's ordeal began when Wagner combatants detained him in August 2024, accusing his employer of collusion with jihadists. He endured severe torture at a military base, witnessing horrific killings of fellow detainees. His account and those of other survivors illustrate the ongoing humanitarian impact of the conflict in Mali, with refugee camps overwhelmed by those fleeing violence.
Recent reports emphasize the urgent need for accountability and support for victims, as the conflict leads to enormous suffering across the region. Ahmed, haunted by his experiences, along with many others, calls for justice against the perpetrators of these egregious human rights violations.
