As France leads an air and land assault on rebels in Mali, Tearfund partners in the country are working together to help families affected by the conflict.
Over the last week, French jets have been bombing the positions of insurgents from a group called Ansar Dine, which is one of several elements to have taken control of much of northern Mali last April.
As well as the air offensive, the Malian army has been pushing to recapture territory under the control of the separatists, supported by French troops. Other West African nations are preparing to send their armed forces too.
Uncertainty
In recent months, hundreds of thousands of Malians have fled their homes in fear and many now are living in increasingly difficult conditions, lacking basic essentials.
Many displaced people are living in and around the capital of Mali, Bamako, most of whom are staying with local families.
As part of their normal activities, Tearfund partners have been helping people affected by the conflict but are now starting a joint emergency project to meet some of the education, public health and food needs of displaced families and host communities.
A Tearfund spokeswoman said, ‘Our partners are delivering vital help to people who in many cases now have very little and are facing an uncertain future away from their homes as the conflict intensifies.’