Brussels exhibition reveals Mali’s humanitarian crisis through powerful photographs

From January 23 to February 12, seven leading humanitarian organizations will showcase an impactful photographic exhibition in Brussels at the iconic Halles Saint-Géry. Titled “In Their Eyes”, the event aims to cast a spotlight on Mali’s escalating humanitarian emergency, which has left over 6.4 million people in dire need of assistance.

a collaborative effort to raise awareness

The exhibition is brought together by Médecins du Monde, Action contre la Faim, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, International Medical Corps, the International Rescue Committee, and Première Urgence Internationale, with the support of the European Union.

The striking collection features around 30 photographs captured by Malian photographer Tiécoura N’Daou. These images were taken in September 2025 across the regions of Gao and Mopti, where partner NGOs are actively engaged in humanitarian projects funded by the European Union. The exhibition is designed to document the crisis through the perspectives of those directly affected, offering an intimate look at the daily struggles faced by displaced families and the tireless efforts of aid workers.

urgent humanitarian needs in Mali

The situation in Mali remains critically alarming, as reported by participating organizations. The country faces severe challenges, including:

  • over 400,000 internally displaced persons, with women and children making up the majority;
  • 1.5 million people grappling with a severe food crisis;
  • 1.5 million children under five suffering from acute malnutrition;
  • more than 35,000 human rights violations recorded in 2024 alone.

The exhibition seeks to humanize these statistics by sharing personal stories and visual evidence of resilience amid hardship. It underscores the urgent need for continued international support and solidarity to address the worsening conditions in Mali.

why this exhibition matters

More than just a showcase of powerful imagery, “In Their Eyes” serves as a call to action. It challenges visitors to confront the realities of Mali’s humanitarian crisis and consider how they can contribute to meaningful change. By bridging geographical divides, the exhibition fosters empathy and encourages collective efforts to support relief initiatives on the ground.

The event is free and open to the public, inviting all who wish to learn, reflect, and engage with one of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness firsthand the stories that demand global attention.