Image for demonstration of the daily lives of Azawadians. A house, a civilian property, located somewhere in Azawad burnt down by the Wagner mercenaries.
REPORT – March 10, 2025, AZAWAD FREEDOM VOICE – SPEAKING THE TRUTH
Introduction:
The Menika region, located in northern Mali, has witnessed a series of tragic events over the past years that have cast a shadow over its inhabitants. Since it was taken over by Al-Qaeda and other armed groups, Menika has become a bloody battlefield between terrorists, the Malian army, and mercenary forces, especially Russian Wagner mercenaries. This region, which was a haven for many Tuareg families, has become one of the areas most affected by the conflict.
Destruction in Menika: Cross-border Terrorism
Since 2021, Menika has become the scene of systematic terrorist operations launched by armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda, seeking to expand their influence in the region. These groups have particularly targeted innocent civilians, destroying villages, burning homes, and killing hundreds of women and children. Livestock, the main source of livelihood in the region, has also been a target of these groups.
But it is not only local terrorism that has brought destruction to Menika, the intervention of the Malian army and Wagner mercenaries has deepened the crisis. Through the indiscriminate bombing of villages and public facilities, the region’s infrastructure has been almost completely destroyed. Schools and hospitals have been reduced to rubble, and the number of civilian casualties has increased terrifyingly.
Mass displacement: the tragedy of Menika in numbers
The physical destruction of Menika has paralleled the waves of mass displacement that the region has witnessed. Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety in other areas, away from the barrels of guns and massacres. At the same time, humanitarian organizations have been unable to provide adequate support to the displaced, leaving them exposed to numerous health and social risks.
Massacres of innocent people: who benefits?
What is happening in Menika is not just a struggle for land or power. The conflict in this region reveals another side of the tragedy: massacres targeting innocent people who did not carry any weapons, but were victims of the policies and agendas of foreign and local powers that do not care about human life.
The international silence regarding these crimes is itself part of the story. At a time when Menika is suffering from almost complete destruction, we have not seen any serious action from the international community to pressure the parties involved to stop these violations.
The road to justice
It is important to ask the most important question: What comes after all this destruction? Is there any hope for justice for the people of Menika? As the destruction escalates, the Azawadi people, both inside and outside Azawad, must continue their struggle for truth and justice.
Conclusion
The Menika region needs to shed light on what has happened and is happening there. There must be public trials for those responsible for committing these crimes, and full support must be provided to those affected by this devastating war. Ingratitude and silence regarding what is happening in Menika is tantamount to supporting those who continue to destroy life and land. We must always remember that keeping silent about the truth is denial, and denial is the mark of Satan.
Azawad Freedom Voice 10-03-25
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