Introduction: On Friday, April 11, 2025, the Malian army launched a surprise attack on the town of Zarhou, near the city of Timbuktu in northern Mali. This military operation was widely condemned by human rights organizations and the local population. The attack resulted in the arbitrary arrests of unarmed civilians, including elderly men and some sick people who were unable to flee. The area also witnessed widespread searches of homes and shops, as well as the looting of property, including shops, stores, and tents.
- Details of the attack on the town of Zarhou:
At dawn, the Malian army entered the town of Zarhou with armed groups, causing panic and fear among the town’s residents.
Military forces began random house-to-house searches, storming homes in search of those suspected of collaborating with armed groups, without any regard for the safety of civilians or their basic rights.
A number of elderly people who were in poor health or suffering from chronic illnesses were arrested. Some were in critical condition and were unable to escape.
- Human Rights Violations:
Arbitrary Arrests: Many unarmed civilians, including women and children, were detained without clear charges or fair trials. Individuals were also arrested on vague charges or merely suspected of links to armed groups, a clear violation of human rights.
Looting of Property: Shops and stores in the town were looted, with military forces taking money and personal belongings from residents. Tents and essential equipment belonging to families were also looted. This not only resulted in the physical destruction of property but also exacerbated the suffering of civilians who lost their only source of livelihood.
- Humanitarian Conditions in Zarhou:
The Attack Significantly Impacted the Daily Lives of the Residents: Following the attack, it became difficult for local residents to return to normal life, given the destruction of many essential properties, such as shops and facilities.
Impact of the Health Crisis: Many of the detainees suffered from chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, and required immediate medical care. However, as military operations continued, access to medical care became increasingly difficult.
- Security and Economic Situation:
Security Vacuum: Following the attack, the security situation in the area became fragile, as local forces were no longer able to provide adequate protection to residents from ongoing armed attacks.
Economic Impact: With widespread looting and destruction of property, the local economy in Zarhou suffered a significant setback. Many shops were closed after being looted, exacerbating unemployment and poverty in the area.
- Local and International Reactions:
Local Reaction: Many residents of Zarhou expressed anger and resentment at the actions of the Malian army, asserting that these attacks constitute a flagrant violation of civilian rights. Many families lost their homes or livelihoods as a result of these operations.
Local human rights organizations called for the prosecution of those responsible for these violations and for an end to the military escalation against civilians in the area. Urgent calls have been issued by the people of the region to the Malian government to provide official clarifications regarding what happened in Zarhou.
International Reactions: Internationally, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have expressed grave concern over these violations and called on the international community to take a strong stance regarding what is happening in northern Mali. The United Nations also called for an independent and transparent investigation to document the violations and hold those responsible accountable.
- “Azawad Freedom Voice”:
The media platform “Azawad Freedom Voice,” considered one of the most important and trusted media outlets in the region, highlighted the events in Zerhou and considered the attack part of the ongoing escalation against civilians in northern Mali.
In its report, “Azawad Freedom Voice” asserted that what happened in Zarhou represents a continuation of human rights violations by the Malian army, where defenseless civilians are being targeted unlawfully and indiscriminately. The platform called on the international community to take urgent action to stop these violations.
- Solutions and Recommendations:
Urgent Solution: The Malian army must cease its military operations against civilians in Zarhou and surrounding areas, and an investigation must be conducted into the arrests, looting, and destruction of civilian property.
Independent Investigation: An independent commission must be established to investigate these violations, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
International Pressure: The international community and the African Union must impose economic or political sanctions on the Malian government if violations against civilians continue. Humanitarian organizations must also provide urgent assistance to the affected population.
Conclusion: The attack on Zarhou represents yet another example of the ongoing escalation of the conflict in northern Mali. The arbitrary arrests, looting, and destruction of property witnessed in the town are part of a comprehensive policy of repression against the civilian population.
The situation requires urgent action by the Malian government and the international community to provide immediate protection for civilians and justice for the victims.
What happened in Zarhou today is a blatant violation of rights and sanctities, as Malian army mercenaries assaulted civilians, stole property, and arrested the elderly and women.
This situation reflects the continued oppression and violation of humanity, and this injustice must stop immediately.
Azawad Freedom Voice 11-04-25
UPDATE:
Between the Newspapers | Zarhou – New Update on the List of Detainees as of April 12, 2025
Voice of Freedom Azawad Channel is following with great concern the developments in the city of Zarhou, where the arrest campaign continues, targeting activists and young civilians, without clear charges or transparent judicial procedures. The channel obtained a reliable update of the list of detainees as of April 12, 2025. They are:
Omar Hama
Hudayfa Abdullahi (Tibou)
Mohamed Hatti
Al-Mujtaba Mohamed
Hama Integrist
Ahmadou Hamou
Abdulkarim Al-Hassan (Tahsa)
Al-Hussein Atta
Bibi Mohamed
Mohamed Ibrahim (Dahi)
Abu Bakr Mohamed Saleh (Bakli)
Mohamed Abdelkarim
Hamad Ali Moussa
Mohamed Mohamed Yahya (Anfahi)
Mohamedoun Abdelrahman (Edo)
Abdulrahman Mohamed Al-Saleh
Mohamed Baki Addi
Mohamed El Khair Omar (Edola)
Mohamed El Mahdi (Mohamed El Hassan)
Voice of Freedom Azawad channel renews its call to the relevant authorities to respect fundamental rights, open a transparent investigation into the circumstances and reasons for detention, and hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in any violations.
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