‘Military failed to prevent massacre’

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised the Malian military and the UN for failing to prevent a massacre in a remote Fulani village which left at least 35 people dead. Last month's attack by a Dogon ethnic militia in Ogossagou happened straight after the Malian army had withdrawn from the area. Soldiers had been positioned there to offer protection following another attack in the same village a year ago in which 150 people were killed. ‘Ethnic militias who apparently have no fear of being held to account have once again murdered and mutilated dozens of civilians,’ said Corinne Dufka, Sahel director at HRW. The organisation said frantic calls were made to the Malian authorities as well as to the UN peacekeeping mission warning of an imminent attack.