In Mali, the town of Ménaka is currently facing a blockade imposed by various armed groups, in particular jihadist groups. This situation has disastrous consequences on the daily life of the region’s inhabitants, who see their supplies of food, fuel and medicine becoming increasingly difficult.
The town of Ménaka is surrounded by fighters from the Islamic State group, with the exception of this city. These rival Jnim jihadists, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, also decreed a blockade on the access routes to the city. The CSP rebels, signatories of the 2015 peace agreement, have imposed an embargo on the main cities of northern Mali, including Ménaka. However, it is mainly the action of the Islamic State group which hampers the city’s supplies.
This situation led to a shortage of gasoline, the price of which exploded, going from less than 1000 to more than 4000 F per liter. The price of rice has also doubled, making it even more difficult to feed the population. In addition, the shortage of medicines in pharmacies adds even more suffering for the inhabitants of Ménaka.
Faced with all these difficulties, a delegation from Ménaka civil society met the governor of the region to inform him of their situation. However, the governorate did not respond to their request for support.
This blockade adds to the already present problems linked to the reception of displaced people. The region has more than 45,000 displaced people who have fled the violence of the Islamic State and the fighting between jihadists, the Malian army and local armed groups. These displaced people have reached the town of Ménaka, where they are accommodated with relatives or in makeshift camps. Living conditions are precarious, with problems of access to water and hygiene and food crises. According to a UN report, 75% of households are food insecure and almost 20% of children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition in the region.
Faced with this critical situation, Ménaka civil society warned in a press release that if no solution is found, other actions will be considered. It is urgent that the national authorities and the international community provide their support to relieve the population of Ménaka and put an end to this unbearable blockade.
The situation in Ménaka illustrates the complex issues and suffering caused by armed conflicts in the Sahel region. It is essential that concrete actions are taken to restore peace, guarantee access to basic needs and protect vulnerable populations.
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