Brussels exhibition highlights Mali humanitarian crisis through powerful photos

From January 23 to February 12, seven leading humanitarian organizations will bring a compelling photographic exhibition to Brussels’ Halles Saint-Géry. Titled “In Their Eyes”, the event sheds light on the severe humanitarian crisis gripping Mali, where over 6.4 million people are struggling to survive.

exhibition partners and mission

The exhibition is organized by Médecins du Monde, Action contre la Faim, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, and Première Urgence Internationale, with backing from the European Union.

The compelling visuals are captured by Malian photographer Tiécoura N’Daou, who documented the situation in September 2025 across Gao and Mopti. These regions are at the heart of ongoing conflict and displacement, where NGOs supported by the EU are actively providing aid. The exhibition aims to give voice to those most affected—women, children, and displaced families—while showcasing the tireless efforts of humanitarian workers on the ground.

Mali’s humanitarian emergency: key statistics

The crisis in Mali remains one of the most urgent in the world. According to humanitarian agencies:

• Over 400,000 people are internally displaced, with women and children making up the majority.
• 1.5 million people face severe food insecurity, struggling to access basic necessities.
• 1.5 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, a silent emergency with long-lasting consequences.
• In 2024 alone, over 35,000 human rights violations were recorded, including violence, forced displacement, and attacks on civilians.

These figures paint a stark picture of a nation grappling with conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability, leaving millions in desperate need of humanitarian support.

why this exhibition matters

“In Their Eyes” transcends traditional documentation by placing the human experience at the center of the narrative. Through powerful imagery, visitors are invited to see the crisis not as distant statistics, but as lived realities—of families torn apart, communities struggling to rebuild, and aid workers risking their lives to deliver help.

The exhibition underscores the critical need for continued international support. It calls on visitors to advocate for peace, fund humanitarian operations, and amplify the voices of those most affected by the crisis in Mali.

how to attend

The exhibition will be open to the public from January 23 to February 12 at Halles Saint-Géry in Brussels. Entry is free, and all are welcome to attend, learn, and engage with the stories unfolding through the lens of Tiécoura N’Daou.

For more information, follow updates from the organizing NGOs or visit the Halles Saint-Géry website.