Urgent: Humanitarian Crisis in Mali as Islamic State-linked Groups Besiege Towns, Leaving 80,000 Children at Risk

A humanitarian crisis in northeastern Mali worsens as armed groups linked to Islamic State besiege major towns, leaving about 80,000 children and residents vulnerable to malnutrition.

Ménaka has been under siege for four months, leading to increased food prices and scarcity of essential goods like medication. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are combating an insurgency by armed groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

The government has ceded territory, leaving 80,000 children trapped in the town, exposed to malnutrition and disease. The blockades expose villagers to violence, hunger, and fear, used by jihadist groups to punish communities for perceived government support. Col. Assimi Goita, Mali’s leader, has pledged a return to democracy by early 2024, but has halted elections and political activities.