Project description: Economic support to strengthen the resilience of the population of Timbuktu against the blockade caused by terrorist groups
Project locations: Timbuktu, Mali
Target audience: Internally displaced persons (especially women, children and elderly people) and Christians in the region
Project period: December 20, 2023 to January 23, 2024
Project budget: 45,000 EUR
Since August 8, 2023, Timbuktu has been under the control of the terrorist group "Groupe de soutien à l'Islam et aux Musulmans (GSIM/JNIM)," which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda and fighting against the Malian state. This control has brought a standstill in the flow of supplies, leaving villages lacking essential goods. In this situation, aid arrived at just the right moment. The people of northern Mali are grateful for the generous support following the severe crises (e.g., the GSIM blockade in August 2023).
The situation is worsening due to the ongoing economic crisis, growing security risks, and increasing societal divisions along religious lines. In northern Mali, Christians make up less than 1,130 of the population. They are marginalized in an environment heavily influenced by Islam and animism and are particularly vulnerable to hunger, poverty, and persecution. Despite insecurity and persecution, the Christian faith is practiced courageously. Jihadist groups remain active, and attacks, robberies, and raids are not uncommon.
Access to the cities in the north remains a major challenge. Thousands of children lack access to education, and many schools are exclusively Koranic schools – a significant difficulty for the Christians living there.
Many residents fear food insecurity. The Christian minority, already suffering from creeping persecution and a lack of solidarity from their Muslim relatives and acquaintances, has sent an appeal for help through the national NGO TNT of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Timbuktu.
With support from the WEA, 200 vulnerable households, including 60 Christian households, each received: 50 kg of rice, 50 kg of millet, 5 kg of sugar, 5 liters of oil, and 3 bags of powdered milk. More than 40 tons of food were distributed to 300 vulnerable households in the city of Timbuktu. The donation came from the international organization Giving Hands through the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).
The initial evaluation revealed that 50 households (%) received two months' worth of supplies, 50 households (%) received three meals a day, and 50 households (%) were adequately provided for during the blockade. The TNT team and the authorities jointly developed the beneficiary list. Criteria for eligibility included poverty, minority status, single mothers, victims of boat accidents, and those in particular need of protection. Women (74.66 %) were the primary focus of the support. A total of 2,179 people received assistance.
Bintou Walett Imoutal CISSE, widow and guardian of eight children, with eyes sparkling with joy and a lump in her throat, was able to say the following words: „Since my husband’s death almost six years ago, we have been living like beggars among various relatives and friends. Thanks to your support, I can now put the cooking pot on the stove at least twice a day. God will bless you when you think of widows and orphans.“
Oumou Ousmane Traore, internally displaced person: „When I was told my name was on the beneficiary list, I didn’t believe it. I live alone with my two children. Their father stayed behind on the other side; he couldn’t flee with us because of my mother-in-law, who is very ill. Since we arrived here, we have only received help once, with tarpaulins to cover our huts from the rain. Your gesture, I don’t know how to express it, comes at a time when we were beginning to lose hope and were even thinking about returning to the village. It is God himself who has sent you to us today. Be blessed, you and your friends and partners.“.
Your prayers and financial support are urgently needed. The aid workers on the ground pray that the Lord will reward you a hundredfold for your giving and remind you of the following Bible verse: „Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.“ Matthew 25:40. Thank you for your investment in God's Kingdom in northern Mali!
