These are the words of our local partner in Mail − who have asked to remain anonymous for the sake of their safety.
After recent targeted attacks on convoys providing fuel: Their country is experiencing an acute fuel shortage. This means transportation is extremely limited.
There is currently no electricity in many places across Mali, which is impacting hospitals, schools and other essential services. Generators are running out of fuel, and food supplies are becoming increasingly limited.
Some regions have had no drinking water for over 45 days.
While the situation in the capital, Bamako, shows signs of stabilizing: Many rural areas are entirely isolated from the limited supply routes that remain.
Local peacebuilders in Mali are facing an uncertain future, with the situation in their country changing rapidly from week to week. We are working to support them in every way we can, but we need your help to go even further.
As events continue to escalate rapidly: Our partner tells us Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a West African extremist group, is intensifying its attacks – forcing displacement across the country.
The armed group is currently controlling keys roads and imposing restrictions on movement and other freedoms − including forcing women cover their heads when in public. There are reports of people being beaten or taken away if they do not comply.
The multi-front conflict in Mali has been exacerbated by international funding cuts and the climate crisis. Yet local peacebuilders, like our partner, are working tirelessly to support people across their country.
Despite the crisis impacting our partner, both personally and professionally, they are adapting to ensure they can continue their vital work.
Local peacebuilders are a vital lifeline for people in times of crisis. In Mali and around the world, we are working to support them however we can, but we need your help to go even further.
On more practical levels, they are implementing carpooling to preserve fuel, have purchased an electric motorbike and are relying on solar panels across their offices. The solar panels were part of a previous project we worked on with our Malian partners. They were installed to support their resilience in times such as these.
Malian communities remain in critical need of humanitarian assistance. Especially the thousands of internally displaced people seeking safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild their lives away from violence and uncertainty.
Alongside the reopening of supply routes and restoration of fuel supplies, the international community must listen more closely to local peacebuilders.
Local peacebuilders are the closest to the conflict and know what is needed to help build sustainable peace.
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