In the wake of a military coup that shook Mali in May 2021, the nation continued to grapple with instability and a distressing surge in violence throughout the year 2022. Disturbingly, data provided by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project reveals that incidents of political violence surged by more than 40% compared to the previous year.
Mirroring patterns observed in 2021, the epicenter of political violence remained concentrated primarily within the regions of Mopti and Gao. The perpetrators of these acts were largely identified as militants affiliated with the Jama’ah Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), both non-state armed groups, alongside the Mali Armed Forces (FAMa), which significantly escalated its operations against Islamist factions. Notably, these developments unfolded in tandem with Mali’s government shifting its allegiance away from Western powers. Further complicating the situation, central and northern Mali became home to bases established by mercenaries linked to the Russian government’s Wagner Group.
Responding to the heightened turmoil, France announced its decision to withdraw its 2,400 troops from Mali in February 2022, a withdrawal that was successfully completed by August of the same year. Amidst this evolving landscape, the presence of private military companies (PMCs) saw notable growth within Mali in 2022. The Wagner Group, in particular, came under scrutiny for alleged involvement in attacks targeting both Islamist militants and civilians in regions where JNIM exerted influence.
The impact of this escalating violence on healthcare was deeply concerning, with incidents affecting healthcare workers more than doubling in 2022 compared to the previous year. This dire situation mirrors the broader increase in armed violence engulfing Mali. The vast majority of these incidents targeted health professionals employed within the national health structure. Additionally, three incidents were reported as directly impacting international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), with one each affecting the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The disturbing surge in incidents played out throughout the year, expanding from five regions in 2021 to eight in 2022. Reports documented cases emerging in the Kayes, Koulikoro, and Ménaka regions. Notably, Mopti and Gao regions, both hotspots of protracted conflict, continued to witness a high number of incidents. Furthermore, the number of cases doubled in Sikasso and Tombouctou compared to the previous year, with looting of critical health supplies being the predominant modus operandi. Alarmingly, over 75% of health worker kidnappings were reported in Mopti, primarily perpetrated by JNIM. Ambulance hijackings and the looting of medical supplies exhibited a more scattered distribution across Gao, Mopti, Sikasso, and Tombouctou.
As Mali navigates this tumultuous period marked by escalating violence, particularly targeting healthcare professionals, the international community remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation and its implications for the well-being of the nation’s citizens.
