Population displacement in the Timbuktu region
Following the publication of Flash Update #1 (14 May) attacks by armed individuals continued to be reported in various parts of the Timbuktu region in the north of Mali – including the Cercle (district) of Goundam and the Cercle of Gourma Rharous along the Niger river. The attacks resulted in the wounding of civilians, looting of houses and pillages of shops and livestock. This continued violence has led to further population displacements within the region. According to reports by local authorities and various partners on the ground, a total of 26,983 people have fled their villages over the last two weeks (up from the total of 6,200 people reported in Flash Update #1).
Displaced persons sought refuge in larger population hubs or on the south bank of the Niger river.
In particular, in the Cercle of Gourma Rharous, some 15,239 persons have reportedly fled their villages in the communes of Rharous and Serere towards the localities of Rharous, Salakoira and Boranda. In the Cercle of Timbuktu, some 3,690 persons fled from various villages in the commune of Bourem Inaly. In the Cercle of Goundam, 8,054 persons fled from their villages towards the localities of Tonka and Goundam town.
The displaced people are currently staying in temporary shelters, camping, or with host families and are in urgent need of water, food, non-food items and shelter. Humanitarian actors in the region are positioning relevant stocks to deliver the required assistance. In particular, an evaluation of needs has started in Goundam (WFP/Handicap International/AFRICARE/Solidarités International) and the distribution of food aid has already begun. Humanitarian actors have undertaken first assessments (UNHCR/IEDA Relief) but have not been able to access affected areas in the district (Cercle) of Gourma Rharous due to the prevailing insecurity in that zone. OCHA is coordinating with national and local organizations to facilitate access and the delivery of aid through local actors.
Measles epidemic in the Kidal region
In a separate development, 16 cases of measles have been confirmed in the region of Kidal (Tessalit and Kidal health districts) in the northeast of Mali. A temporary WHO mission, who was already on the ground to support the delivery of health services, will organize a vaccination campaign to respond to the epidemic.
Faced with security and logistics constraints, no health humanitarian organization has a permanent presence in the Kidal region. The Kidal airfield has been closed since January due to security concerns and after it was damaged during a demonstration – seriously limiting the possibility for humanitarian aid to reach the region by air.
There are currently 4,000 measles vaccine vials available in Kidal, while a total of 20,000 would be necessary to cover the needs. OCHA is liaising with MINUSMA for logistical support to facilitate the transport of additional vials and equipment.
WHO has the capacity to support the vaccination campaign in the Cercles of Kidal, Aberra and Tessalit, while the support of other humanitarian partners is sought to cover the district of Tinasako (Kidal region) and extend the campaign to the regions of Gao, Timbuktu and Mopti.
