Overview

The security situation continues to worsen as violence spreads from the north to the more populated central regions of the country. The presence and activities of armed groups not included in the 2015 agreement continues to influence the security situation. Clashes between Dogon (pastoralist farmers) and Fulani (nomadic herders) communities over land and access to water points have also increased in central and northern regions, fuelled by the presence of Islamist armed groups and the recruitment of Fulani herders.?

Insecurity has disrupted economic and trade activities, resulting in the unreliable availability of food in the markets. Prices have increased, especially in the Mopti, Timbuktu, and Gao regions. Risks of banditry and attacks along commercial roads have deterred traders. Limited access to farmlands and the disruption of normal transhumance patterns due to insecurity have affected livelihoods. Although food production is expected to improve overall in the country due to an adequate level of rainfall in 2018, populations affected by the conflict remain food insecure. IEDs are commonly used by armed groups in northern and central Mali to target Malian or MINUSMA military convoys, and have affected a growing number of civilians in 2018. Humanitarian access is constrained by conflict and insecurity.?

INFORM measures Mali's risk of humanitarian crisis and disaster to be high, at 6.4/10. Hazard exposure, a lack of coping capacity, and vulnerability are all at concerning levels: 6.1/10, 6.9/10 and 6.1/10 respectively.?

 

Latest Developments

  • Past

28/03: At least 160 civilians were killed during an attack conducted by Dogon militias in Mopti region on 23 March. This is the deadliest attack led against civilians in Mali since the beginning of the crisis in 2012. At least 2,000 people have been displaced since and acts of retaliations against the Dogon communities have already been registered, with six civilians killed between 25 and 26 March. ?

Key figures

  • 5,200,000 in need of humanitarian assistance  [?]
  • 990,000 in need of protection services  [?]
  • 185,000 severely food insecure people (IPC3 and above)  [?]
  • 123,600 IDP  [?]
  • 137,000 Malian refugees  [?]

Key priorities

Protection is a priority for populations affected by insecurity, particularly in the north and central regions.

Food security and nutrition is of particular concern in the regions affected by the floods, drought and conflict, especially in northern and central Mali.

Health needs are high as access to services is poor and epidemics pose a major risk.

Information Gaps and needs

  • Limited access to the northern and central regions makes it difficult to assess exact needs.
  • Limited or lack of information on access constraints for the population to humanitarian assistance and basic social services.