UN warns of reprisals against Tuareg and Arab populations in Mali

February 02, 2013: A senior United Nations official on Friday warned of the risk of reprisal attacks against Tuareg and Arab civilians in various regions of northern Mali and urged the country’s military to protect all citizens regardless of their ethnic affiliation.

“While the liberation of towns once under the control of the rebel and extremist groups has brought hope to the populations of northern Mali, I am deeply concerned at the risk of reprisal attacks against ethnic Tuareg and Arab civilians,” the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, said in a statement.

Fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels broke out in northern Mali last January, after which radical Islamists seized control of the area. The conflict uprooted thousands of people and prompted the Malian Government to request military assistance from France to stop the progression of extremist groups.

Mr. Dieng said he was concerned over allegations of human rights violations committed by the Malian army, including summary executions and disappearances, in Sevaré, Mopti, Niono and other towns close to the areas where fighting has occurred. There have also been reports of incidents of mob lynching and looting of properties belonging to Arab and Tuareg communities, who have reportedly been accused of supporting armed groups based on their ethnicity.

“I am deeply disturbed by reports of violations committed by the army, and by reports that the armed forces have been recruiting and arming proxy militia groups to instigate attacks against particular ethnic and national groups in northern Mali,” Mr. Dieng said.

“I call on the Malian army to discharge its responsibility to protect all populations, irrespective of their race or ethnicity.”

Last month, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, opened an investigation into alleged crimes committed in Mali since January 2012 – including murder, torture and rape – with a focus on the northern part of the country.
Mr. Dieng welcomed that decision and urged all parties in the country to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.