Restoring hope in communities affected by explosives in Mali

Press Release / DCA Mali

With an estimated 6.4 million people – or 28% of the population – in need, the humanitarian crisis that started in 2012 in Mali has continued to intensify throughout 2024. In addition to hunger and violence, Malians also face the continuous threat of injury – or death – from unexploded bombs, improvised explosives and ammunitions that contaminate large parts of central Mali.

The withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the departure of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in 2023 have had a significant impact on humanitarian assistance and operations, and humanitarian mine action is among the sectors most affected by increasing funding constraints.

Against this backdrop, in 2024 DCA and its Malian partner, Association d’Appui aux Actions de Développement Rural (AAPPOR), continued to work tirelessly to reduce the threat posed to ordinary Malians by explosive devices, mines, and small arms and light weapons. This work was made possible by funding from the European Union.

Displaced people at risk

In 2024 more than 7,500 people were reached through some 135 risk education sessions where they were taught how to identify and handle potential risks from explosives. Many are displaced from other parts of Mali and therefore vulnerable to the dangers of settling in new places where they are unfamiliar with possible explosive-contaminated areas.

The EU funded project has also been instrumental in assisting direct victims of both explosives and small arms with direct emergency response, access to urgent medical treatment along with cash-based assistance to support them in gaining a footing in their communities again – socially as well as economically. This is essential to build a new life after injury – and restore hope for the future.

“Educating local communities on the risks posed by explosives can go a long way to save lives and prevent further injuries”, explains Drissa, a young survivor of a small arm-related incident assisted by the project.

Conscious of such risks, and determined to spare others from such risks, Drissa took it upon himself to mobilize his community around this important matter, going as far as sharing his personal story with the village chief.

“I realized that if I shared my story, local communities would realize the importance of these (risk education) sessions.

It can save their lives. If we don’t educate ourselves about these dangers, we risk losing even more lives. I couldn’t stand still as this project assisted me while I was hospitalized. I don’t want other members of my community to be exposed to explosive devices and small arms,” says Drissa.

The EU plays a critical role

Through its funding, EU has made it possible for DCA and AAPPOR to carry out humanitarian mine action activities, provide critical aid to survivors, and engage with local communities to build awareness and resilience.

“The EU’s commitment to humanitarian mine action has allowed us to offer new hope to those affected by conflict – people who are at risk of injury or worse,” said Souleymane Djanken Touré, interim Country Director of DCA Mali.

From April 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025, DCA reached 30,689 people in rural communities with education on the risks associated with explosive devices and small arms and light weapons. Among the victims, 147 have had access to medical, food and psychological assistance services, while 97 others have received monetary assistance.

140 humanitarian actors were sensitized to these issues and 16 focal points and 40 community volunteers were trained and mobilized to run the sessions at community level. These achievements mark a significant milestone, but DCA and local partners are looking to the future with the determination to intensify our efforts and reach even more communities in need.

“The crisis in Mali is not over – and contamination from explosives not only remains, but it is at risk of growing with the continuation of conflict,” said Souleymane Djanken Touré and added; “We are grateful to the European Union for the ongoing support. It benefits thousands of Malians whose lives and limbs are at risk, and whose livelihoods are under threat.”

About the project

The project “Integrated emergency response to protection risks and rapid cross-cutting assistance to the explosive threat in Central Mali” provides risk education sessions on explosives, ammunitions, and small arms combined with emergency response to victims of explosives and small arms.

Started in 2024, the project will continue through to April 2025 targeting just under 23,000 people across the districts of Niono, Macina, San, and Tominian in Central Mali.

The European Union and its member states are among the world’s leading donors of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by disasters and human-induced crises. Through the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations of the European Commission, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.