Bamako (ICRC) – The security situation has deteriorated in several regions of Mali since 25 April 2026, leading to massive casualties, loss of life and new waves of displacement. The fighting has also put increased pressure on livelihoods and access to essential services.
In response, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is helping to meet the urgent needs of those affected while maintaining essential services and strengthening community resilience. The organization has provided quality health care to the wounded and distributed everyday necessities to displaced people. ICRC teams are also engaged in confidential, bilateral dialogue with the authorities and parties to the conflict to promote the protection of civilians, health workers and facilities, and public goods essential to people’s survival, such as drinking water and food stocks.
“We are deeply concerned about the repercussions of escalating armed violence on civilians,” said Nicolas Lambert, head of the ICRC delegation in Mali. “Civilians are not targets. They must be respected and protected, as should health facilities and water supply systems. We are redoubling our efforts to provide emergency aid, ensure access to essential services and strengthen community resilience.”
In May 2026, the ICRC took the following actions to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable while strengthening community capacities and local infrastructure in response to the ongoing crisis.
Health facilities and care for the wounded:
Energy
Emergency aid for displaced people:
Livelihood support for community resilience:
Water and essential infrastructure:
Detainment conditions at Bamako Central Prison
Protection of people affected by armed violence
Tracing missing people and reuniting families
Much of the ICRC’s work was carried out in collaboration with the Mali Red Cross, whose volunteers helped to evaluate needs, keep communities informed and distribute aid.
The ICRC’s humanitarian action in Mali reached more than 1.1 million people in 2025.
The ICRC has been carrying out humanitarian work in Mali since 1965 and has had a permanent presence in the country since 1991 following a headquarters agreement. Against the backdrop of persistent armed conflict, especially in the centre and north of the country, and increased pressure on essential public services, the ICRC runs its activities in Mali from its delegation in Bamako, with subdelegations in Mopti, Timbuktu and Gao, offices in Kidal and Ménaka, and a satellite office in Niafounké. It works in the areas most affected by fighting, as close as possible to the people caught in the crossfire.
The ICRC works entirely transparently with national, regional and local authorities. It also maintains a close partnership with the Mali Red Cross and other components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
For more information, please contact:
Kany Elizabeth Sogoba, ICRC Bamako, tel: + 223 76 99 63 75 / email: ksogoba@icrc.org
Aminata Cissé, ICRC Bamako, tel : +223 82 99 21 02/ e-mail : amicisse@icrc.org
Jean-Yves Clémenzo, ICRC Geneva, tel : +41 79 251 93 02 / e-mail : jclemenzo@icrc.org
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