IRC: About 40% of Mali's population in need of humanitarian assistance

The humanitarian crisis in Mali is rapidly deteriorating, with approximately 40% of the population, which amounts to about 8.8 million people, in urgent need of assistance. Matias Meier, the Country Director for Mali at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), recently discussed the dire situation during an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Meier highlighted the escalating humanitarian needs in various regions of Mali, shedding light on the critical challenges faced by the organization and its partners in delivering life-saving aid to those affected. According to Meier, the situation is particularly dire in areas like Menaka, where thousands of people are on the brink of famine and are experiencing emergency levels of hunger. The overall trend indicates a 17.3% increase in humanitarian needs compared to the previous year, coupled with a significant decrease in funding, with only 21% of the required resources being available. This disparity between rising needs and dwindling financial support has placed immense strain on humanitarian efforts in the country. The crisis has resulted in widespread internal displacement, with over 375,000 people displaced in the first quarter of this year, surpassing previous peak levels observed during the armed conflict in 2013. Meier emphasized the critical role of humanitarian assistance in providing essential resources such as water, food, and shelter to displaced families, underscoring the urgent need for sustained funding to avert a further escalation of the crisis. The situation in Mali is exacerbated by challenges related to access, with insecurity posing significant obstacles to the timely delivery of aid. Meier highlighted the efforts undertaken by the IRC and its partners to address these access challenges, including investments in security measures to ensure the safety of staff and the effective delivery of aid to hard-to-reach areas. Collaboration with local NGOs, including women-led organizations, forms a key component of the humanitarian response strategy in Mali, enabling a more targeted and inclusive approach to addressing the crisis. Despite the complex and evolving nature of the crisis, Meier expressed optimism about the impact of sustained investments in preventive programming, such as social cohesion and resilience-building initiatives, to mitigate the root causes of displacement and enhance the overall effectiveness of humanitarian interventions. As the humanitarian community continues to grapple with the growing needs in Mali, urgent action is needed to mobilize additional resources and support to prevent further escalation of the crisis and alleviate the suffering of millions of vulnerable individuals. The resilience and dedication of humanitarian organizations, in collaboration with local partners, remain essential in navigating the challenges and uncertainties associated with the humanitarian crisis in Mali.