Mali’s military is launching an investigation into a disturbing video showing a man in Malian military attire dissecting a corpse in the presence of fellow soldiers, stated the army chief on Wednesday. He described the act as an extremely rare and appalling incident akin to cannibalism, emphasizing that it contradicts the military values of the Sahelian nation.
This development comes amid persistent accusations by human rights organizations and the United Nations against Malian soldiers for severe misconduct, including executions and torture of civilians suspected of collaborating with jihadist groups active in the Sahel since 2012. The military has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
A disturbing video that gained attention on X on Tuesday has been taken down for violating platform guidelines. The footage depicted a man in Mali Armed Forces (FAMA) uniform, identified by his badge, using a machete to cut open the abdomen of a deceased person. Reports indicate that in the video, spoken in the local Malian Bambara language, the man mentions eating the victim’s liver. Surrounding individuals in military fatigues can be seen laughing as he performs the action.
Reuters did not independently verify the video that sparked outrage and dismay among users on social media before it was removed. According to an army statement dated July 16 but published on X on Wednesday, authorities have deployed appropriate resources to authenticate the video and determine the identity of the individual involved.
Mali’s military has been grappling with jihadist factions, some affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State, which established themselves in the country’s northern desert over a decade ago and have since expanded into neighboring regions and coastal areas.
Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost and millions displaced due to militants seizing territory, countered by foreign-backed military operations. This security crisis has also led to two military coups in Mali, two in neighboring Burkina Faso, and one in Niger since 2020. The inability of authorities to restore stability has been a contributing factor.
In response to these challenges, military leaders in all three countries have severed ties with longstanding Western allies and sought military assistance from Russia.
