Mali: Humanitarian Access Constraints (January – December 2025)

814 incidents affecting humanitarian access were recorded in 2025, representing a 41% increase compared to 2024 (574 incidents recorded). The most recurrent constraint was the presence of explosive devices (EDs), with 355 cases in 2025, up 18% from 2024.

This constraint hampered the movement of humanitarian workers on national roads. The risks were particularly high on the RN33 between Ségou and Niono, the RN6 between Sévaré and San in the Sikasso region, the RN7, RN10, and the RN20 (Ménaka–Ansongo). An alarming trend emerged: the appearance of aerial explosive devices, notably in the regions of Mopti, Timbuktu, and Kidal, increasing risks for civilian, basic social services, and humanitarian personnel.

Access restrictions to assistance for affected populations and interference in humanitarian activities have been reported. These have been most frequent in the southern areas of the country (Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso), imposed by armed actors with the aim of limiting people's access to essential services such as health and education.
In 2025, three localities saw their access restored: Léré, Boni, and Gossi. However, Léré was once again placed under access restrictions in October, while 15 other localities remain difficult to access.

An extension of access constraints towards the south of the country was observed, particularly on national roads (RN) 7 and 10. These restrictions have led to disruptions in fuel supply directly affecting the continuity of humanitarian operations. Other important routes such as Sévaré-Gao, Kayes-Bamako, Ségou-Tombouctou and Gao- Kidal remain uncertain.
Bureaucratic and administrative obstacles caused delays in humanitarian operations. Seventeen projects awaiting No Objection Notices (NONs), including 12 humanitarian projects and five development projects, were not implemented.

At least 71 incidents were linked to violence against humanitarian personnel, property and infrastructure (burglaries, robberies and night-time intrusions into homes or offices) in Gao, Bamako, Ségou and Mopti. It was 58 in 2024, an increase of 22%.

Twenty-eight cases of restrictions on the movement of humanitarian personnel and goods were recorded in 2025, compared to 23 in 2024, (+22%). These restrictions occurred in a wide variety of situations, including irregular checks carried out by armed actors, most often in the central regions of the country (Mopti, Ségou).

These measures delay the delivery of humanitarian aid and require deconfliction at the local level.

The overall decline in humanitarian funding (humanitarian funding rate of 20% in 2025 compared to 44% in 2024) has reduced response capacity, in a context where operational costs have continued to rise. Some humanitarian organizations have been forced to suspend or halt certain programs, prioritize their activities and reduce staff numbers.

Cases of constraints related to the physical environment and lack of infrastructure have been identified, rendering roads impassable due to the destruction of bridges, ferries and telecommunications towers. Four cases of bridge sabotage and 11 cases of involving antennas have been reported in the Sikasso region (the most affected), with eight of the 11 cases recorded.