Welthungerhilfe: Humanitarian crisis in Mali deepens
Mali is suffering from complex crises with dramatic impacts on the civilian population. The number of people requiring humanitarian aid has more than doubled since 2017.
German aid organization Welthungerhilfe reports that the humanitarian crisis in Mali is deepening. Based on a visit in March 2023, approximately 8.8 million people require humanitarian assistance, more than double the number in 2017. Many social facilities, such as schools and health centers, have been destroyed by ongoing conflicts.
The poor security situation in large parts of the country presents one of the biggest challenges. By the end of 2022, around 400,000 people had fled their villages fearing brutal attacks and sought refuge in areas already struggling with hunger and poverty.
Welthungerhilfe emphasizes the need to continue its work in Mali, addressing the needs of those most affected by the crisis. They advocate for a response that includes not only humanitarian aid but also support for local development initiatives and the strengthening of societal structures. The organization calls for greater flexibility from donors regarding project durations and the transition from humanitarian relief to long-term support for economic activities.
Welthungerhilfe has been active in Mali for over 50 years. The organization continues its efforts with local partners, supporting the country's civil society. They state that a strong and diverse civil society is essential for long-term peace and must be sustainably strengthened.