In recent months, residents of cities in Mali, including Timbuktu and Gao, have been living under siege by Islamist fighters. These militant groups, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), have cut off vital supplies to the cities, causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. As a result, the prices of basic necessities have skyrocketed, making it difficult for families to afford essential items. Additionally, the ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of thousands of people, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The blockades have had a severe impact on the city of Timbuktu, which historically relied on supplies coming from neighboring countries such as Mauritania and Algeria. With the siege in place, these vital supply routes have been disrupted, leaving the city without much-needed resources. The price of food has doubled, with staple items such as sugar, flour, oil, and baby formula becoming scarce. Fuel shortages have also led to an 80% increase in fuel prices, making it even harder for people to access transportation and electricity.
Residents of Timbuktu have not only had to deal with shortages and rising prices but also the threat of violence. The militants have launched rocket attacks on the city, causing fear and panic among the population. Many people have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety, with an estimated 33,000 individuals fleeing the city. The fear of a return to the strict form of Sharia law imposed by the militants during a previous occupation in 2012 looms large, as residents recall the oppressive measures such as forced veiling, music bans, and amputations.
Gao, the largest city in northern Mali, has also been severely affected by the blockade imposed by JNIM. The city’s electricity supply has been crippled due to a lack of fuel, resulting in homes receiving only one hour of power per day. The local economy, which heavily relies on trade with neighboring Niger and Algeria, has been decimated as merchants have left the city and the streets have become deserted. The livelihoods of many families have been disrupted, further exacerbating the economic hardships already faced by the population.
The blockades of Timbuktu and Gao have taken place amidst a power vacuum created by the departure of international troops. The United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in Mali ended in June 2021, and French forces, which provided security assistance, have also left the country. This vacuum has allowed different factions to vie for control, with the Malian military junta, government troops, and Tuareg separatist groups all seeking to assert dominance and secure their interests.
The conflict in Mali has far-reaching implications beyond the country’s borders. Both the Malian government and Tuareg rebels have called for international support, recognizing the potential for the crisis to spread across the Sahel region. Tuareg groups in Libya, Algeria, and Niger have expressed solidarity with Mali’s separatists and have indicated their willingness to join the conflict. This regional involvement not only raises concerns about the escalation of violence but also highlights the geopolitical struggles in the region, with Russian involvement being seen as a threat to the influence of other powers.
The situation in Mali is complex and calls for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability. The Malian military junta, with assistance from international partners, must prioritize the well-being of the population and work towards resolving the conflict. Efforts should be made to secure supply routes to ensure the steady flow of essential goods and provide aid to those affected by the crisis. Additionally, regional and international actors need to come together to find a peaceful and sustainable solution, as the repercussions of the conflict extend far beyond Mali’s borders.
The humanitarian crisis in Mali requires immediate attention, and the international community cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Malian people. It is crucial to provide support to those affected by the conflict, including displaced persons, and to work towards long-term solutions that address the root causes of the crisis. By doing so, we can help alleviate the suffering of the people in Mali and contribute to the stability of the region as a whole.
