Mali’s Food Crisis Persists in Kidal and Ménaka Amid Security and Rainfall Challenges

In October 2026, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that IPC Phase 4 emergency outcomes continue in Mali’s Kidal and Ménaka regions because of major disruptions to trade, livelihoods and food access. An improvement to IPC Phase 3 is expected in Ménaka from October onward, while Kidal remains in emergency status with severe reductions in food availability. In Gao, Mopti and Tomboctou, outcomes are projected to improve from Crisis (Phase 3) to Stressed (Phase 2) as harvests and price reductions take effect. Rainfall has been below average nationwide, except in parts of Kita, Kayes, Nioro, Nara, Sikasso, Ménaka and Tomboctou, hindering crop development and causing water stress. Security incidents by JNIM and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad have intensified, leading to ambushes, suicide drone attacks and civilian repression, which disrupt movement, trade and livestock mobility. Military airstrikes and escorts on the Abidjan‑Bamako corridor have improved fuel imports, but the Dakar‑Bamako route remains constrained, keeping fuel supplies below normal. Cereal prices were largely stable in September, with notable increases in Mopti, Douentza, Hombori, Koro and Bankass due to poor production prospects. Livestock conditions are below average, with pasture deficits in Kayes, Koulikoro, Ségou, Mopti and severe deficits in Tomboctou, Gao and Kidal, and low water levels in ponds and reservoirs.