Mali: Humanitarian Access Dashboard (January 2026)

In January 2026, 51 humanitarian access incidents were recorded, representing a slight decrease compared to December 2025 (55 incidents). The monthly average for 2025 was 68 incidents; January’s figures show a 19% drop against this average, though they still reflect persistent pressure on the operational space.
The presence of explosive devices remains the main constraint, representing 51% of events (26 incidents). Compared to the 2025 monthly average of 30 incidents, this is a 13% decrease. However, this threat once localized in the North and Center now affects the Southern regions of the country.
In the San region, the destruction of the Benena bridge continues to disrupt transborder flows with Burkina Faso, imposing costly detours.
In the Timbuktu region, access to Léré remains restricted. At the same time, progress has been observed in Gourma de Niafunké with the support of community sensitization efforts. However, access to Gourma de Diré remains difficult due to the displacement of community leaders and the limited presence of humanitarian actors, hindering the resumption of interventions.
The operational environment remains volatile, with risks to humanitarian personnel expanding toward the South. Five incidents of direct violence were recorded (compared to a 2025 average of 2, a +40% increase), including two significant kidnappings: Gao–Ansongo Axis: Two humanitarians were abducted and released the following day. A stolen vehicle was recovered following an intervention by the FAMa (Malian Armed Forces). Sikasso Region: At Zangasso, on the Koutiala–Sikasso axis. In both cases, personnel were released after a few days; however, the vehicle in Sikasso was not returned.
The effective resumption of UNHAS flights is confirmed for Mopti and Gao. Advocacy continues to stabilize flight frequencies to Timbuktu; however, flights to Kidal have not yet resumed due to operational difficulties.
January 2026 confirms a profound transformation of the access crisis in Mali. While the overall volume of incidents remains stable, the level of danger is increasing with the widespread use of explosive devices and the expansion of risks into the Southern regions.