Mali: thousands displaced face harsh living conditions after fleeing Kouakourou

Weeks after fleeing Kouakourou in central Mali, thousands of residents remain stranded in dire conditions. Forced from their homes following an ultimatum issued by fighters from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, they now struggle to rebuild their lives far from familiar surroundings.

Following the jihadist takeover of the Kouakourou military camp, civilians were given an order to leave immediately. Nearly 5,000 people abandoned the town, seeking refuge in nearby villages such as Djenné, Bamako, and Mopti. In Mopti alone, over 400 displaced individuals have been temporarily housed in a local school provided by municipal authorities.

Shelter shortages and rising challenges

While food assistance has been made available through local donors and municipal efforts, living conditions remain extremely difficult. Classrooms now double as dormitories, and with limited space, some families are forced to sleep outside in the schoolyard. Heavy rainfall has worsened their plight, pushing everyone indoors due to the lack of adequate shelter.

Loss of livelihoods and uncertain futures

Beyond physical discomfort, these displaced families mourn the loss of their homes and possessions. Many left Kouakourou with only the clothes on their backs, while their phones were reportedly confiscated by the militants. The displacement coincides with the peak of the farming season, putting harvests and livelihoods at risk for countless households.

For now, the displaced have no choice but to wait. Returning to Kouakourou remains their greatest hope, yet the ongoing security threats make any near-term return impossible.