Brussels 16.05.2023 “The publication, by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, of the report on the events that took place in Moura, from March 27 to 31, 2022, confirms the multiple abuses and violations of human rights and the law international humanitarian crisis that occurred in the context of the military operation carried out in this locality by members of the Malian armed forces and members of the Wagner group” reads the statement by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell following the publication of the report on the events in Moura from 27 to 31 March 2022.

“The EU calls on the Malian transitional authorities to shed light on these events through an independent, impartial, effective and exhaustive judicial investigation and to bring to justice all those responsible for abuses.

“The European Union and its Member States have for many years supported Mali’s fight against terrorist groups. The conduct of military operations to contain this threat is necessary.

“Nevertheless, the violence perpetrated by State forces and elements of the Wagner group against civilian populations, as documented in the report, is unjustifiable. They also only add to the destabilization of Mali, and only aggravate the harmful consequences on neighboring countries.

“The fight against terrorism can never justify massive violations of human rights. The exemplary behavior of the State and its security forces, whose primary mandate is to protect civilian populations, cannot suffer from any exceptions. Impunity must be fought with severity and with the utmost urgency.