Renewed violence in Mali has triggered a fresh wave of displacement, with nearly 40,000 people forced from their homes since late April. Humanitarian and security sources report that a significant portion of these displaced families have sought refuge in Gao and Ménaka, two key cities in northern Mali. In Gao alone, local officials estimate that over 7,000 people have arrived in the past three months, a figure that underscores the scale of this latest crisis.

Kidal at the heart of the offensive

The surge in violence stems from the escalation of fighting that began in late April. A coalition of jihadist groups, including the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), alongside Tuareg separatist factions from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), launched a major offensive. The strategic city of Kidal, in northern Mali, has fallen under the coalition’s control, with clashes intensifying in surrounding areas such as Anéfis. For civilians, this resurgence of hostilities means repeated displacements, abandoned villages, and increasingly difficult access to essential services.

Bombardments fuel further displacement

Over the past two weeks, Malian forces have intensified airstrikes in areas around Kidal, particularly near Tinzawatene. Security sources indicate that some of these bombardments have damaged health facilities, forcing additional families to flee. While the exact circumstances and extent of the destruction remain unverified due to restricted access, the surge in arrivals in safer urban areas is undeniable. Cities like Gao and Ménaka, already struggling with limited resources, now face mounting pressure to accommodate the displaced.

Gao and Ménaka under strain

The influx of thousands of displaced individuals presents a daunting challenge for local authorities and humanitarian organizations. Most of the displaced hail from Kidal, where conditions have deteriorated sharply since April. They require shelter, food, clean water, medical care, and support for children. This crisis compounds an already fragile humanitarian situation in northern and central Mali, where over 400,000 internally displaced persons were recorded prior to this latest wave. Humanitarian actors warn that the actual number could be significantly higher.

The roots of Mali’s enduring crisis

Mali has grappled with a deepening security crisis since 2012, fueled by the rise of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as armed communal and separatist factions. Since the 2020 and 2021 military coups, transitional authorities have prioritized territorial recovery and security restoration. However, the recent escalation highlights the persistent challenges in stabilizing the region. For northern communities already displaced multiple times in recent years, the question remains: how long can they stay in their homes before fleeing becomes the only option?