Rights group says extremists exploit Mali ethnic tensions
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Human Rights Watch is calling on authorities in Mali to investigate and prosecute those responsible for a wave of attacks since January that have killed at least 52 people and left more than 10,000 displaced.
The rights group in a report Wednesday says the increased presence of Islamic armed groups and their recruitment of local residents has inflamed and exploited ethnic tensions, leading to the development of self-defense militias.
The rights group says a Bambara militia killed at least 21 people in retaliation after Peul Islamic fighters killed a Bambara shopkeeper in the Segou region on Feb. 11. On Feb. 18, Islamic fighters killed nine Bozo and Bambara traders, alleging they supported the militia.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Human Rights Watch says at least 16 people have since been killed in central Mali.