Mali: Blockade in Timbuktu region Flash Report No. 1 (28 August 2023)

Highlights

• Presumed non-state armed groups impose access restrictions on various towns of Timbuktu region since 8 August 2023.

• Since the beginning of the blockade, at least 6,121 households (33,100 people) have displaced across the regions of Timbuktu, Taoudenni, and towards neighboring countries.

• Humanitarian partners present in Timbuktu region have been forced to limit or suspend their movements outside the city, which could deprive the most vulnerable populations of vital humanitarian assistance.

• Despite ongoing restrictions, humanitarian partners are assessing the most urgent needs and have provided health assistance for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Timbuktu.

Situation overview

On 17 August, Ber and Goundam military camps (Timbuktu region) were formally transferred to the Malian armed forces (FAMA) as part of the first phase of MINUSMA's withdrawal. Ahead of this transfer, presumed non-state armed groups (NSAGs) reportedly started to share audio messages on social media, requesting civilians to leave these towns and their surroundings to protect themselves from future clashes. These messages caused fear among civilians and led to significant populations displacements across the region.

Against this backdrop, humanitarian access in Timbuktu region is deteriorating rapidly. Since 8 August, presumed NSAGs have imposed a blockade on the entire region, restricting movement along the main road axes leading to the town of Timbuktu. Access restrictions have also been imposed in other localities of the region, hampering the transportation of essential goods. For example, since 14 August, access and movement restrictions incidents were recorded in the towns of Timbuktu, Gourma-Rhaous, Tonka (Goundam circle) and Atila (Taoudenni circle). More recently, passengers on board two public transportation vehicles linking Timbuktu to Rharous via Ber were kidnapped and eventually released on 22 August.

On 27 August, a truck that was transporting goods was set on fire by presumed NSAGs elements at the entrance of Timbuktu town. Reportedly, NSAGs also announced that explosive devices have been planted along the main road axes leading to Timbuktu (including the Timbuktu-Rharous axis via Ber).

Furthermore, access restrictions were imposed on the river that also provides access to Timbuktu.

As to security, two artillery shell incidents were recently recorded in the city Timbuktu. On 26 August, unidentified armed individuals reportedly fired two artillery shells towards Badjindé area of the city of Timbuktu. One of the shells hit a resident's house, resulting in four severe injuries (including two children and two adults) and the death of a child. In the past, an artillery shell attack targeting a military camp in the city of Timbuktu was reported, without causing any casualties.