Impact of Mali’s Security Deterioration on Border Areas of Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea

The security crisis in Mali is severely affecting border areas of Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea, with high levels of insecurity reported in Tombouctou and Ségou. Significant shocks include violence, looting, flooding, and rising market prices, leading to widespread displacement of populations.

The deteriorating security situation in Mali substantially impacts neighboring regions, particularly Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea. Recent findings from REACH’s Humanitarian Situation Monitoring highlight alarming trends, as over 97 percent of assessed localities in Tombouctou and 73 percent in Ségou experienced shocks linked to insecurity, violence, or looting between July and October 2024.

In the Goundam and Gourma-Rharous circles of Tombouctou, a stark 100 percent of surveyed localities reported being affected. The Niafunké circle, bordering Mauritania, similarly faced challenges with 97 percent of localities impacted. Additional significant disruptions included flooding, impacting 72 percent of localities in Tombouctou and 62 percent in Ségou, alongside a sharp increase in basic market prices affecting 58 percent and 43 percent of localities in these regions, respectively.

Furthermore, displacement has surged, with key informants indicating that 34 percent of assessed localities in Tombouctou and 23 percent in Ségou have experienced population movements. Most displacements occurred locally, typically with fewer than 25 percent of local populations fleeing; however, in some instances—24 percent of localities in Ségou—this figure exceeded 50 percent, indicating a significant humanitarian concern.

The ongoing security crisis in Mali has precipitated severe repercussions on its border areas, particularly in Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea. With widespread insecurity, violence, and economic disruptions, many localities are facing critical humanitarian challenges, including large-scale displacements. This situation necessitates urgent attention and intervention to mitigate the profound impacts on affected populations and regional stability.

Original Source: www.unocha.org