Mali — humanitarian situation

Mali's humanitarian crisis deteriorated sharply in the first half of 2026, with conflict incidents increasing 39 percent between the first and second quarters to reach 987 incidents causing 283 casualties, including six children UNICEF. The April 25 attacks marked a major escalation in insecurity, while the intensification of armed confrontations and multiplication of blockades on strategic routes in the north and center, particularly in Tombouctou and Ménaka regions, continued to exacerbate civilian vulnerability UNFPA. Ongoing security incidents significantly disrupted economic activities, market functioning, and population movements in affected areas. The ICRC facilitated medical transfers of six wounded individuals from Kidal to Gao on August 16, operating as a neutral intermediary with security guarantees from all parties to the conflict ICRC. Approximately 415,000 people remained internally displaced, with children comprising 58 percent of this population, while nearly 280,000 refugees were recorded UNICEF. Emergency-level food insecurity (IPC Phase 4) persisted in Kidal and Ménaka regions due to security incidents that severely restricted movements and disrupted markets, forcing affected populations to adopt extreme coping strategies including selling all livestock, begging, and reducing meal frequency and portions FEWS NET. The deteriorating security environment expanded toward the south in some areas, driving population displacement that strained neighboring countries—Côte d'Ivoire received over 80,000 Burkinabè and Malian refugees concentrated in Bounkani, Tchologo, and Poro regions, increasing pressure on local resources and services FEWS NET. Togo hosted 65,100 refugees and asylum-seekers as of June, 86 percent from Burkina Faso UNHCR. Insecurity continued disrupting essential services and livelihoods across affected regions, with intensified armed group activity compounding humanitarian vulnerabilities. Gender-based violence concerns persisted throughout the second quarter amid the complex security and humanitarian crisis UNFPA. The ongoing conflict environment restricted humanitarian access and operational capacity, particularly in northern regions where blockades and security constraints limited intervention capabilities. The humanitarian response remained significantly challenged by access restrictions and the expanding geographic scope of insecurity affecting civilian populations.