Mali: Humanitarian access constraints (January - December 2023)

Over the course of 2023, insecurity and criminal risks hindered access for humanitarian actors, who were increasingly exposed to the risk of being caught in the crossfire during hostilities, falling victim to explosive devices, vehicle hold-ups, excessive measures/controls, abduction and temporary detention, intimidation and pressure of aid diversion. The multitude of non-state armed groups (NSAG) on the ground, as well as ongoing military operations, added a further layer of complexity to the context.

Military operations and armed hostilities intensified in Mali starting in July 2023, particularly in the central and northern regions of Mali and along the Burkina Faso and Niger borders, impacting humanitarian movement and access to the population in need. Incidents related to military operations rose to 212 in 2023 from 82 the previous year. Frequent asymmetrical attacks, on the one hand between various NSAG, and on the other between NSAG and the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), exposed populations to protection risks and caused pre-emptive movements. In 2023, over 1,300 civilians were killed in reported security incidents, while 391,961 people were forced to abandon their homes.

The presence of Improvised Explosive Devices and Remnants of War (IEDs & ERW) on roads, bridges and fields used for military operations represented a major constraint, with 249 incidents recorded in 2023 compared to 230 in 2022. The regions of Ségou, Bandiagara, Douentza and Timbuktu were the most affected by these incidents, severely restricting humanitarian access.

Fewer incidents of violence against humanitarian personnel and assets were reported in 2023 than the previous year (86 in 2023 compared with 121 in 2022). Nevertheless, during 2023, five aid workers were killed during violent incidents and 14 aid workers were abducted and held by NSAG for some time before being released, sometimes stripped of their belongings and/or after being threatened and intimidated.

During 2023, 45 incidents of restriction of humanitarian access to affected populations were reported, mainly involving irregular checks carried out by NSAG members and security and defense forces, with demands for payment of "tea money" at NSAG checkpoints in certain localities being a frequent occurrence.

Restrictions on movement and goods were reported in several villages in the Centre and North. The blockade of towns, especially in northern Timbuktu and Gao seriously compromised the transport of goods, including medical materials and equipment needed to care for populations affected by the upsurge in armed conflict during the last quarter of the year. Restrictions on access to certain services and programmes were recorded, notably in the sectors of health, education, protection and gender-based violence, particularly in areas where armed groups are present.