Volunteers at a food distribution centre at the Malian Red Cross headquarters in Sévaré in the region of Mopti.
As conflict in northern Mali has forced people from their homes, 600 people reside in a camp in Sévaré, a town in the region of Mopti. Thirty tents provided by the Mali Red Cross are now home to 70 families. The crisis in northern Mali has displaced thousands of people, including more than 260,000 who have fled to safety in other parts of the country. Many have arrived in their new home on foot, donkey, or by truck. Most arrive with nothing. An estimated 40,000 people have sought refuge in the Mopti region, accepting assistance offered by host families or in camps. However, the assistance is not enough because they have already lost everything during the crisis. Returning home means they would be starting their lives all over again, with nothing. For now, those who have fled the conflict survive with the help of humanitarian agencies such as the Mali Red Cross who have provided food and essential items including tents, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, soap, kitchen utensils, and medical care.