Mali

Mali is beset by insecurity, conflict, the impacts of climate change and limited access to basic social services, all of which are causing severe humanitarian need. The economic sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States in 2022 worsened the living conditions of people and reduced government investment in social services in conflict-affected areas. Food insecurity affects 1.8 million people, or 10 per cent of the population, and more than 1,950 schools are closed, affecting more than 587,000 children. Insecurity has triggered the displacement of more than 440,000 people. In addition, Mali hosts 57,444 refugees from neighbouring countries, and 182,107 Malian refugees remain in neighbouring countries. 

The humanitarian situation in Mali remains worrying for the eleventh consecutive year, marked by armed conflicts and insecurity coinciding with other extreme weather events such as floods and drought.  Food insecurity and price hikes also remain a concern. 

The signs are already there that crisis is set to deepen this year. In January alone, the number of people in need increased by 17 per cent this year compared to 2022 (from 7.5 million in January 2022 to 8.8 million in January 2023).

The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan in Mali needs US$751 million to reach 5.7 million people, the most vulnerable of the 8.8 million people in need in the country, over half of which are women and children. The plan aims to complement the Government's efforts, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable people. It seeks to ensure greater access to basic social services, better living conditions and strengthen vulnerable families’ ability to withstand shocks.