Mali: Critical food insecurity forecast for 2018 in north

Event

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Monday, October 10, that 165,000 Malian children are expected to face acute malnutrition in 2018. According to the consortium, over 15 percent of children will be affected in Timbuktu and Gao regions, raising the situation from “serious” to “critical.” Over 14 percent of children are also expected to be affected in Kayes and Taoudéni regions.

Context

Conflict and insecurity are the main drivers of acute food insecurity, compounded by growing internal displacements and resulting in devastating effects on livelihoods and the overall nutrition of much of the population. In conflict areas, humanitarian assistance has become the main food source for residents.

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds. France maintains approximately 4000 troops who are stationed throughout the Sahel. Additionally, the United Nations' ongoing presence in the country, MINUSMA, is one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid any protests that may arise as a result of increased tensions that frequently arise in conjunction with periods of acute food insecurity (competition for limited resources, etc.).

Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent in the country, all those present in Mali are advised to remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. When going out, always carry a reliable means of communication and inform a trusted contact of where you are going and when you plan to return.