Mali: Humanitarian situation in Menaka region - Special situation report on Menaka

Highlights

• Over 10,700 new IDPs in Menaka between April and May 2023, which may lead to overpopulation in IDP sites.

• Regional government led the first meeting of the Regional Humanitarian Coordination Framework on 28 April

• Field mission of the Access Working Group in Menaka reported major logistical constraints on the road axes Menaka-Ansongo-Gao, Menaka-Kidal and Manaka-Niger

Situation overview

The humanitarian context remains volatile with persistent insecurity. Local sources reported increased criminality perpetrated by armed individuals in Menaka town and along major road axes. Non-state armed groups’ activities and military operations also contribute to the deterioration of the security context. Between 25 and 26 April, assassinations and looting of livestock and properties by armed groups were reported in Intadeyni (30km N of Menaka) and Inlamawane (270 km NE of Menaka). Criminality and attacks targeting humanitarians have also increased between February and March, with 49 incidents reported in March against 44 in February. Abductions of civilians remain frequent in Menaka and surrounding areas. During the first week of May, two abductions were reported in Anderamboukane (90 km S of Menaka) and Imbaram (10 km N of Menaka). The latest developments of the security context indicate an increasing restriction of humanitarian access due to criminality perpetrated by armed groups.

Between January and March 2023, the 89 security incidents recorded in Menaka Region include 25 armed robberies, 23 thefts and 11 abductions of civilians, and several attacks against humanitarians. Meanwhile, local authorities highlight significant improvements in the security situation thanks to joint military operations between the FAMa and neighbouring countries' forces, which may facilitate the continuation of humanitarian activities. This was discussed during the first meeting of the Regional Humanitarian Coordination Framework on 28 April, chaired by the Governor of Menaka.

Military operations against NSAGs are ongoing, led by both the Malian and Niger Armed Forces in Tidermene, Timouzogh and along the border near Anderamboukane. Additional incursions by armed men in Inekar and Tidermene circles and other towns near Menaka were also reported. These operations trigger most of the population movements towards the city of Menaka.