Sexual Assaults Plague Women Fleeing Mali Conflict; Shame Conceals True Scale

DOUANKARA, Mauritania – Inside a makeshift clinic, a young girl lay fighting for her life. Her eyes were unfocused, her mouth slightly open, with flies landing on her lips. Her breathing was shallow. Medical personnel worked urgently around her, connecting an IV as beads of sweat dotted her forehead.

"It was the last moment to save her," explained Bethsabee Djoman Elidje, the clinic's women's health manager, as the heart monitor beeped rapidly. The girl was suffering from a severe infection resulting from a sexual assault and had been in shock for days without treatment, Elidje said.

Her family reported that the 14-year-old had been raped two weeks prior by Russian fighters who stormed their tent in Mali. These fighters were part of Africa Corps, a new military unit under Russia's defense ministry. This unit replaced the Wagner mercenary group six months ago.

The United Nations and aid organizations report that men, women, and children have been victims of sexual assault perpetrated by all sides throughout Mali's decade-long conflict. These assaults include gang rape and sexual slavery. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the true number of victims remains hidden due to a culture of shame that prevents women in these conservative, patriarchal communities from seeking assistance.

This silence, which nearly cost the 14-year-old her life, also hinders efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The Associated Press learned about the alleged rape and four other alleged instances of sexual violence attributed to Africa Corps fighters – frequently referred to as "the white men" by Malians. These accounts surfaced during interviews with numerous refugees at the border, who also reported other atrocities such as beheadings and abductions.