Survivors of the deadly attack on the passenger boat in Timbuktu, Mali, continue to live in desperate conditions. More than ten days after the attack claimed by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, around a hundred survivors are still stranded in the town of Rharous, in the Timbuktu region.
Despite promises from local authorities to evacuate survivors under escort by land, no concrete action has yet been taken. Survivors find themselves in a critical situation, where the sick do not receive the care they need and where hope begins to fade.
A survivor testifies to the unbearable situation in which they find themselves: “People are so agitated that we can no longer control them. The State had promised us an evacuation by road, but so far, nothing has happened. “has been done and we haven’t received any news. People are tired of waiting.”
Since the attack, no concrete measures have been taken to help the survivors, with the exception of a visit from the governor who promised to send an escort to evacuate them by land. However, nothing has been done since this promise.
The needs of survivors were taken care of by local authorities as well as young volunteers. However, the situation is rapidly deteriorating, with people sick and distressed, and morale collapsing.
The survivors number around 200 and are impatiently awaiting the long-promised evacuation. They want to return home, far from this tragic reality that has traumatized them.
This deplorable situation raises questions about the capacity of Malian authorities to ensure the safety of their citizens and respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Urgent action is needed to evacuate these survivors and provide them with the assistance and care they desperately need.
It is also essential to strengthen security measures in the Timbuktu region and put an end to the persistent threat of terrorist groups who continue to sow terror in the country.
This tragic situation should serve as a reminder to the Malian authorities and the international community of the need for strengthened cooperation to fight terrorism and ensure the security of vulnerable populations.