Violence escalates in central Mali

Since early September, central Mali has seen a surge in violence, resulting in numerous casualties and the displacement of thousands of people. Armed groups have conducted attacks in the Ségou region, including in Souleye on September 1 and Touara on September 15, leading many families to flee their homes.

Displaced families describe the attacks

Kadiatou, a displaced person who fled Touara with her family, recounted the attack: "We heard gunfire during the prayer time, around 4 p.m., and it lasted until 8 p.m. Armed men managed to enter the village and everyone panicked. Our husbands made us leave in a canoe with the children in the middle of the night." She and her family now live with relatives in Macina, sharing a house with about forty other displaced persons.

MSF provides medical aid in Macina

In response to the growing humanitarian crisis, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has established a mobile clinic in Macina since late September. The clinic treats approximately 150 patients daily, primarily for respiratory infections and malaria, which are linked to the difficult living conditions of the displaced persons.

Humanitarian challenges intensify

The influx of displaced individuals has strained local resources, with shelters, food, and drinking water in short supply. City authorities are also concerned about the risk of epidemics. Emergency medical kits provided by MSF have allowed the Macina hospital to treat 25 people injured in the attack on Touara. This new wave of violence is occurring amid a challenging humanitarian context, as several international organizations have withdrawn from the area due to funding shortages.