Mali: 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan - Executive Summary

In 2026, the humanitarian context in Mali will continue to be shaped by a complex crisis resulting from the persistence of insecurity and violence, structural socio-economic vulnerabilities, climatic events, and epidemic outbreaks. This combination of factors undermines the access to essential goods and services, living conditions and livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations. The situation remains particularly critical in conflict-affected areas in northern and central Mali.

Out of the 5.1 million people in need, the humanitarian community will target 3.8 million people, with a funding requirement of US$577.9 million. In the context of declining funding and increasing needs, a geographic and strategic reshape has been undertaken: 97 out of the country’s 159 cercles, representing the vast majority of the targeted population, will be prioritized. Pockets of acute severity identified within 45 cercles have been included in the number of prioritized people. These individuals are considered vulnerable even if the overall severity level of the cercle is not critical (level 4 and above on the multisectoral severity scale).

Compared to 2025, the funding requirements, as well as the numbers of people in need and people targeted, have each decreased by more than 20 per cent. These reductions result from a methodological change and are not a reflection of an improvement in the humanitarian situation. In 2025, Mali receive 21 per cent of the $771 million appeal, representing the lowest funding level over the past ten years.