Mali’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as the country faces escalating conflict, climate risks, and economic instability. The International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) 2024 Emergency Watchlist highlights Mali’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens, ranking it among the countries most at risk of experiencing worsening humanitarian conditions in the coming year. Mali, a West African nation, is grappling with a complex emergency that has left 7.1 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The crisis is fueled by a combination of factors, including ongoing conflict between the central government and nonstate armed groups, climate vulnerability, and economic challenges. These issues have led to widespread displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services.
The situation in Mali has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The central government, which came to power through a coup in 2021, is facing growing threats from various nonstate armed groups. The breakdown of a 2015 peace agreement with armed groups in the northern region in September 2023, coupled with the withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, has further destabilized the country.
One of the most pressing concerns is the escalating violence against civilians. During the first eight months of 2023, there was a 38% increase in violence against civilians compared to the same period in the previous year. This trend is expected to worsen as the central government confronts armed factions on multiple fronts, with some initially pro-government groups now aligning with armed opposition forces.
The conflict has resulted in the internal displacement of more than 390,000 people across Mali. These displaced individuals face numerous challenges, including limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare. The ongoing violence has also disrupted agricultural activities and trade, exacerbating food insecurity in the country.
Climate change is another significant factor contributing to Mali’s humanitarian crisis. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Mali is experiencing the adverse effects of prolonged drought conditions. These climate shocks not only threaten the livelihoods of farmers and herders but also escalate communal violence as resources such as water and fertile land become increasingly scarce.
The combination of conflict and climate risks has had a devastating impact on food security in Mali. The United Nations has warned that approximately one million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition. This alarming situation is particularly severe in conflict-affected regions, where armed groups have blockaded cities and towns, restricting the transport of essential goods and leading to significant shortages of food and fuel.
Economic challenges further compound the crisis. Nearly half of Mali’s population lives in poverty, and recent sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to the military government’s actions are expected to worsen the economic situation. These sanctions have disrupted trade in border areas, making it even more difficult for vulnerable populations to access essential goods and services.
The humanitarian response in Mali faces significant obstacles. ACAPS, a nonprofit organization that provides independent humanitarian analysis, has rated the barriers to humanitarian access in Mali as “very high” (4 out of 5). The withdrawal of the U.N.’s peacekeeping mission, which had been working to improve security and protect civilians since 2013, has further complicated the delivery of aid.
Furthermore, the humanitarian response plan for Mali received only 30% of the necessary funding for 2023, leaving millions of people without critical assistance. As armed groups strengthen their control over northern and central Mali, humanitarian workers face increasing challenges to their mobility, including checkpoints and other logistical obstacles.
Despite these challenges, organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) continue to provide vital support to affected communities. Since 2012, the IRC has provided critical assistance to more than two million Malians displaced by conflict and facing severe food shortages. Their efforts focus on delivering life-saving support in areas such as health, nutrition, economic recovery and development, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as protection and governance.
The IRC’s work in Mali is concentrated in the Ménaka, Gao, Douentza, Mopti, and Nara regions. Their interventions include providing emergency relief, supporting village savings and loan associations, and offering water, sanitation, hygiene, and health services to vulnerable populations.
Looking ahead to 2024, the IRC’s Emergency Watchlist outlines several risks that could further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Mali:
- Escalation of conflict: The ongoing fight for control over territory between the central government and nonstate armed groups is likely to intensify, putting civilians at greater risk and potentially leading to more displacement.
- Increased climate vulnerability: If drought conditions persist, Mali could face even greater challenges related to food security, water scarcity, and communal conflicts over resources.
- Worsening food insecurity: The combination of conflict, climate shocks, and economic challenges is expected to drive up food insecurity levels, particularly in areas under siege by armed groups.
- Limited humanitarian access: As violence escalates and armed groups consolidate their control over certain regions, humanitarian organizations may face even greater difficulties in reaching vulnerable populations with life-saving assistance.
The recent decision by Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, to withdraw from ECOWAS on January 28, 2024, adds another layer of uncertainty to the political landscape. This move could have implications for regional cooperation and potentially impact the flow of humanitarian aid and economic support.
To address the growing humanitarian needs in Mali, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes:
- Increased international funding and support for humanitarian operations in Mali.
- Diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and conflict resolution between the government and nonstate armed groups.
- Investment in climate resilience measures to help communities better cope with environmental shocks.
- Strengthening of local capacities and support for community-led initiatives to address immediate needs and build long-term resilience.
- Improved coordination between humanitarian organizations, government agencies, and local communities to ensure efficient and effective delivery of aid.
As Mali’s humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of millions of vulnerable people. Urgent action is needed to address the root causes of the crisis, provide immediate relief to those in need, and work towards sustainable solutions that can help Mali build a more stable and prosperous future.
The situation in Mali serves as a stark reminder of the complex and interconnected nature of humanitarian crises in the 21st century. It highlights the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies that address not only immediate humanitarian needs but also the underlying factors that contribute to ongoing instability and vulnerability.
As we look to the future, it is clear that addressing Mali’s humanitarian crisis will require sustained commitment, resources, and cooperation from both national and international actors. Only through such concerted efforts can we hope to alleviate the suffering of millions of Malians and pave the way for a more stable and resilient future for the country and its people.
