Mali: 15 civilians killed in Fulani village

KIGALI, Rwanda

At least 15 civilians were killed in an overnight attack on a Fulani village in central Mali, local media reported Thursday, quoting a security source.

“Fifteen civilians were killed by gunmen in Sinda, a village 12 kilometers (7 miles) from Douentza town,” the report said, adding some had their throats slit in their sleep, others after being arrested by suspected traditional hunters commonly known as the Dozo.

The attack took place Wednesday night, but no assailants have been identified.

The victims were reportedly buried Thursday by villagers.

Since 2015, there has been inter-communal violence in central Mali between the Fulani --traditionally herders -- and the Bambara and Dogon ethnic groups, who are mainly farmers.

In March 2019, some 160 Fulani were killed in the village of Ogossagou near the border with Burkina Faso.

Last June, some 35 people of the Dogon ethnic group were killed in the Sobane Da area and about 40 in the villages of Gangafani and Yoro.

But the area had witnessed a lull in the past six months following the signing in August of “cessation of hostilities” agreements by the different groups.