urgent measures to curb flooding in Mali
The Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has called for immediate action to strengthen Mali’s flood prevention and management strategies during a recent Council of Ministers meeting. With the rainy season approaching, Sonko emphasized the need for coordinated efforts across government agencies to mitigate potential disaster risks.
preparation and coordination take center stage
Sonko commended the proactive steps already taken by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, including clearing drainage networks, inspecting infrastructure, and distributing emergency response equipment. He underscored the importance of interministerial collaboration, urging all relevant departments—particularly the Ministry of Interior—to align their efforts under the leadership of the Hydraulics and Sanitation Minister. This unified approach will focus on civil protection and crisis management.
actionable directives for local and national resilience
The Prime Minister issued clear directives to ensure Mali is fully prepared for potential flooding:
- All municipal emergency plans must be updated and validated without delay to reflect current risks and resources.
- Early warning systems and communication channels with local communities must be tested and confirmed operational to ensure timely alerts.
- Emergency response teams and equipment should be pre-positioned in high-risk zones to enable rapid intervention.
- A nationwide interministerial simulation exercise must be conducted by June 15, 2026 to assess preparedness and coordination.
Sonko’s instructions reflect a proactive stance in safeguarding lives and infrastructure. By enforcing these measures, the government aims to minimize the impact of seasonal flooding, which has historically caused significant damage across Mali.
