UN humanitarians concerned over clashes in Mali as peacekeepers withdraw

As UN peacekeepers withdraw from Mali, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expresses deep concern about escalating clashes in northern and eastern regions, including Timbuktu, Gao, and Menaka. Humanitarian agencies have assisted 1.2 million people in Mali this year, but the needs of 9 million people remain unmet. Access to affected communities is essential for humanitarian operations, requiring additional resources for logistics and mine action activities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, notes that peacekeepers continue to withdraw despite challenging security conditions. Contingency plans are in place should the situation worsen. The 2023 humanitarian response plan for Mali, requesting $752 million, is only 22 percent funded, with critical sectors facing significant funding gaps, including food security, health, and water and sanitation. More funding is urgently needed.

Source – CGTN