Monday, January 28, 2013

Mali: NGOs cautioned against extortion and représailles

Après denouncing the abuses of Islamists in northern Mali, NGOs fear now, in the light of the first testimonies of reprisals by the Malian army, humiliated by its defeat and not prepared to respect the rights Human .

Human Rights Watch (HRW) also discussed the plight of child soldiers recruited by Islamist fighters, injured or killed during ongoing clashes between armed groups and the Malian army, supported by the French, as well as death of civilians Konna (center), victims combats.

La International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) working with the Malian Association of Human Rights, including well established in the North, has reported recent arrests and ten cases of enforced disappearances or summary executions Sévaré (center) where the Malian army has a command post opérationnel.

"Nine of these cases of disappearances or executions have not been confirmed but that of a missing man, probably summarily executed for his alleged affiliation with armed groups, is considered certain," he told AFP Florent Geel, head of the Africa FIDH.

L'AFP also heard the testimony of a resident of a village near Sévaré who requested anonymity, witnessed Saturday Malian army camp Sévaré, the execution of a policeman and his two son of 20 and 25 years, suspected indicators islamistes.

Florent Geel also reports of arrests at checkpoints set up Sévaré Konna Mopti and to prevent infiltration of Islamists to the south and intercept weapons. "A number of people are currently held by the Malian forces Sévaré. Under what conditions are they being held? For the moment, we do not have access to them," laments Mr. Geel.

Celui said it also feared the reactions of local militias that have been singled out as a result of summary executions this été.

Revanche on Touareg?

"The big problem, says Mr. Geel is that black people and especially Songhai want to take revenge on the people and Tuareg Tuareg armed groups in North and we know that all who pass by the reconquest highlighting of Malian forces could lead to more or less massive retaliation on the people ".

"It may slip at any time and it can be extremely lethal, extremely violent," Mr. fears Geel.

La FIDH also quotes local sources according to which the Tuareg and Arab populations have fled the city for fear of représailles.

"The Tuareg are scared and they are not wrong. There is a high risk that if the Malian army valiantly North restarts, it degenerates," adds Pierre Boilley, director of the Center for the Study of African worlds (CEMAF ) .

"What will happen when cities will be reoccupied (by Malian forces and / or African). How will they distinguish the rebels, Islamists, people?" Asked Alain Antil, Institute French relations internationales.

La France has deployed some 800 soldiers in Mali, said Wednesday that she "would do anything" to prevent violations of human rights, but recalled that the responsibility to protect civilians primarily incumbent authorities maliennes.< / p>

Mais, is the FIDH, the Malian forces are already fighting and without having received awareness training in respect for the rule of law. "This link-there is not yet in place due to the precipitation (intervention) and that worries us," insists Mr. Geel.

"We told the French and Malians. Says the French are because even if they do not handle on everything and they can not control everything, it will fall over them one way or another "dit-il.

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