UNFPA Mali: Situation Report #6 - 5 December, 2024

Hostilities and climate-related challenges in Mali continue to place lives at risk

Highlights

• Mali is grappling with an unprecedented natural disaster as torrential rains and rising waters of the Niger River have caused massive flooding, displacing 73,778 people. This crisis unfolds within a highly volatile security context marked by ongoing conflict between government forces and non-state armed groups. These conflicts have led to widespread displacement, disrupted livelihoods, and severely limited access to essential services. The compounded effects of climate change, including intensified flooding, have further exacerbated population movements and vulnerabilities. Adding to the instability, this month saw the dismissal of the Prime Minister and the appointment of a new one.
• The regions of Timbuktu and Mopti are among the hardest hit by the rising river waters, with communities facing severe disruptions and heightened humanitarian needs. In response, UNFPA joined a multi-sectoral assessment mission in Mopti during the second week of November to evaluate the situation and coordinate support for flood-affected populations. The mission aims to address immediate needs while emphasizing long-term resilience in the face of overlapping crises.

Situation Overview

• The regions of Timbuktu and Mopti remain severely affected by the rising waters of the Niger River, with devastating consequences for communities. As of this month, 21,563 households—or 129,378 people—have been impacted by the floods. In Timbuktu alone, 259 flooding incidents were recorded, affecting 11,247 households and destroying 8,423 homes. In Mopti, UNFPA participated in a multi-sectoral assessment mission during the week of November 12, following floods in the Djenne Circle, where 12 municipalities and 85 villages were affected. The floods impacted 10,316 households—or 50,402 people—resulting in three fatalities and severe infrastructure damage, including to 24 health centers, eight community health worker facilities (CSComs), and several maternity wards. Key damages included the destruction of courtyards, toilets, consultation rooms, and the loss of essential medications, further limiting access to critical services for already vulnerable populations. The destruction of health infrastructure has particularly intensified risks for women and girls, restricting their access to sexual and reproductive health care and increasing their exposure to violence.
• According to the latest DTM report (September 2024), Mali hosts 378,363 internally displaced people (IDPs), marking a nearly 7% increase compared to the end of 2023. The number of returnees has also risen, yet many remain in dire need of support. This dynamic remains complicated by ongoing conflict and natural disasters, which continue to drive significant population movements. Access to essential resources and services remains a pressing challenge as communities struggle to rebuild amidst persistent instability and environmental crises.
• The broader security context in Mali remains dire, with conflict further endangering civilians and deepening existing vulnerabilities. The country is on maximum alert due to concurrent health emergencies, including dengue, COVID-19, meningitis, and measles, which are affecting the wider African region. The convergence of conflict, natural disasters, and health threats underscores the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian assistance to address the escalating needs of affected populations.
• UNFPA remains a critical provider of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) services, delivering vital support to women and girls affected by conflict and natural disasters. In November, 851 GBV survivors received holistic care through One Stop Centers across Gao, Timbuktu, Mopti, and Menaka, ensuring access to comprehensive medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance. Additionally, UNFPA continued its support for six safe spaces for women and girls in Gao, Timbuktu, Goundam, Djenné, Ménaka, and Ansongo, offering psychosocial support and socio-economic reintegration services to 1,151 women and girls.
• To extend its reach, UNFPA deployed 15 mobile teams across Gao, Timbuktu, Menaka, Ségou, and Mopti, providing integrated SRH and GBV services to 7,044 individuals. In these efforts, 450 women and girls received dignity kits and participated in awareness sessions on SRH and GBV prevention and response. This mobile outreach complements UNFPA’s broader emergency response, including the distribution of emergency IARH kits to 19 health centers in November—10 in Gao, 8 in Mopti, and 1 in Ségou.
• Since January, UNFPA has supported a cumulative total of 60 health facilities, addressing the gaps left by damaged and destroyed infrastructure due to flooding. Through the deployment of mobile clinics and the provision of essential medical supplies, UNFPA is ensuring that vulnerable communities continue to have access to life-saving health services, particularly for women and girls at risk. This ongoing support underscores the organization’s commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term health and protection needs in crisis-affected regions.