The security crisis in Mali is severely affecting border areas, particularly in Tombouctou and Ségou. REACH’s report indicates overwhelming impacts from violence, flooding, and rising market prices. Displacement rates are alarming, especially in Ségou where many have been forced to leave their localities. Immediate intervention is required to address these humanitarian challenges.
The deteriorating security situation in Mali, particularly in its border areas, has raised significant concerns according to REACH’s Humanitarian Situation Monitoring in the Central Sahel. Between July and October 2024, localities in the Tombouctou region experienced alarming disruptions, with 97 percent affected by various issues linked to insecurity, violence, or looting. In the Goundam and Gourma-Rharous circles, every surveyed locality reported such shocks, while the Niafunké circle, adjacent to Mauritania, saw 97 percent of localities impacted.
Flooding also emerged as a considerable challenge, affecting 72 percent of localities in Tombouctou and 62 percent in Ségou, exacerbating the distress already caused by insecurity. Furthermore, the sharp rise in basic market prices troubled 58 percent of surveyed localities in Tombouctou and 43 percent in Ségou, intensifying the implications for local populations.
In terms of displacement, key informants indicated that 34 percent of assessed localities in Tombouctou and 23 percent in Ségou reported individuals being compelled to flee or abandon their homes. Most displacements occurred within the same region, with the majority of localities seeing a population reduction of no more than 25 percent. However, in Ségou region, a troubling 24 percent of localities experienced a situation where the proportion of the population that fled exceeded 50 percent.
The analysis of the humanitarian situation in Mali’s border areas reveals a critical need for intervention. The ongoing insecurity and violence, coupled with environmental shocks such as flooding and economic challenges, have severely impacted localities in Tombouctou and Ségou. The high percentage of displaced individuals further highlights the urgent necessity for support and resources to stabilize the region and assist affected populations.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
