Thousands of displaced Malians face harsh conditions after fleeing Kouakourou
Two weeks after evacuating Kouakourou in central Mali, thousands of residents remain stranded in makeshift shelters, grappling with dire living conditions. The mass exodus followed an ultimatum issued by armed factions linked to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the region.
Following the takeover of the Kouakourou military base, the militants demanded the immediate departure of all civilians. Approximately 5,000 people fled the town, seeking refuge in nearby villages such as Djenné, the capital Bamako, and Mopti. In Mopti alone, over 400 displaced individuals are currently housed in a local school, provided by local authorities as a temporary shelter.
The situation remains dire despite food assistance from donors and municipal authorities. Classrooms now serve as dormitories, forcing families to share cramped spaces. With limited room indoors, many are forced to sleep in the school courtyard, a situation exacerbated by recent heavy rains that push everyone inside.
The displacement has stripped families of their livelihoods. Many recount leaving Kouakourou with nothing but the clothes on their backs, while their phones were confiscated by the militants. The timing coincides with the peak of the farming season, further jeopardizing food security for these households.
For now, the displaced cling to the hope of returning home, though the ongoing security threats continue to delay any possibility of a safe return to Kouakourou.
