Updated: February 25, 2021
The United States on Thursday expressed “serious concerns” over the deaths of 25 civilians in the West African country of Mali, and urged the government there to ensure its investigation is thorough, and results in accountability.
The Malian Defense Minister Tiena Coulibaly acknowledged that at least 25 people were killed. Several reports accused Malian soldiers of being behind the brutal murders.
“We support Minister Coulibaly’s decision to immediately open an investigation. We call on the Government of Mali to ensure that the investigation into this and other serious allegations of human rights violations and abuses are conducted in a credible and transparent manner and result in accountability as appropriate,” the State Department said in a statement in Washington D.C.
“The United States remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Mali and the Sahel region. We urge security forces and governments to take steps to ensure respect for human rights, the protection of civilians, and accountability to increase trust and counter violent extremism”.
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