Mali has been ranked fourth among the world’s most neglected displacement crises in 2023, according to a report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). The nation, already grappling with terrorist violence similar to other countries in the Sahel, has become a refuge for thousands of Burkinabe fleeing the ongoing conflict in their homeland.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NRC highlighted the dire situation of Burkinabe refugees in central Mali, particularly in the Koro circle, where the lean season has exacerbated their challenges.
The NRC reported that more than 180,000 Burkinabe refugees are currently living in Mali, with over 20,000 having arrived in Koro since January 2024. This influx, which began in October 2023, has placed enormous strain on the limited resources of local communities already struggling to support large numbers of internally displaced people.
“The lean season is the most difficult time of the year for families, and the situation is alarming for thousands of refugees in central Mali,” said Maclean Natugasha, NRC’s country director for Mali. She emphasized that displacement and food insecurity during this critical period are a “double burden” for Burkinabe refugees.
Despite the “remarkable generosity” of local authorities in Koro, who have provided arable land to the refugees, many have been unable to cultivate due to a lack of resources. This has left them heavily reliant on humanitarian aid, which remains insufficient given the scale of the crisis. Many displaced families continue to live in overcrowded conditions or remain homeless, adding to their vulnerability.
Natugasha also pointed out that the lack of funding, coupled with difficulties in registering and assisting refugees in remote and hard-to-reach areas, has significantly hampered the humanitarian response. She called on the international community to “redouble its efforts” to provide food, shelter, and essential services to both the refugees and the host communities that have welcomed them.
The NRC’s warning underscores the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further suffering in Mali, as the country continues to face one of the most neglected displacement crises in the world.
Report by Ismail Ramadan