As Mali grapples with its own terrorist threats, it has become a sanctuary for countless Burkinabe seeking refuge. In a statement released on Wednesday, the NRC painted a grim picture of the refugees’ situation in central Mali, particularly in the Koro circle, where the lean season has exacerbated their hardships.
With over 180,000 Burkinabe refugees currently residing in Mali, the NRC has registered more than 20,000 in Koro alone since January 2024. Many others remain unregistered, while the influx of refugees from northern Burkina Faso began in October 2023.
This influx has placed immense strain on local communities, already burdened by hosting large numbers of internally displaced people. “The lean season is a particularly challenging time for families, and the situation for thousands of refugees in central Mali is dire,” said Maclean Natugasha, NRC’s director in Mali. “The international community must act swiftly to prevent further suffering.”
While local authorities in Koro have generously offered arable land to refugees, many lack the resources to cultivate it. Consequently, they rely heavily on humanitarian aid, which is insufficient to meet their needs. Numerous displaced families are also homeless or living in overcrowded conditions with vulnerable host families.
Hamidou, a Burkinabe refugee in Koro, shared his struggles with the NRC: “We fled our homes in Nodin with nothing, and now we’re struggling to find even basic necessities here in Mali. We hope that those who can help us won’t forget us.”
Natugasha emphasized the challenges hindering the humanitarian response, including limited funding and difficulties in registering and assisting refugees in remote areas. She urged the international community to increase its efforts to provide food, shelter, and essential services to both refugees and the generous host communities.
ODL/ac/fss/abj/APA