A significant influx of Burkinabè refugees has been observed in Koro, located in central Mali, since May 26. Local authorities estimate that thousands of individuals have arrived, fleeing intense violence in their home regions. These displaced populations have been forced to abandon their homes due to direct threats from jihadist armed groups operating in Burkina Faso.

Hamsetou, a refugee now in Koro, recounted her harrowing experience. “Two individuals arrived on a motorcycle; I believe they were messengers. We were immediately gripped by fear,” she explained. Hamsetou made the journey to Koro with her daughter and other family members after armed groups swept through their village of Sia, situated in the Gomboro department of central Burkina Faso.

“They came to our village on the day of our weekly market, ordering us to leave before sunrise,” the displaced woman elaborated. She further noted, “That’s how we departed under the cover of night, taking to the roads to hide in nearby villages. The following day, we managed to take a taxi to reach Koro.”

“We left everything behind”

Hamsetou intends to settle permanently in Koro, awaiting the return of peace to her village. Beyond Sia, a significant portion of the populations from localities such as Gani, Bouli, Kogan, Ganagoulo, and Kouéré have also fled the violence, seeking refuge in Mali. It is estimated that nearly three-quarters of these refugees are women and children, highlighting the severe vulnerability of those displaced.

Oumou, a resident of Ganagoulo, described witnessing armed men heading towards the neighboring villages of Bouli and Gani on May 26. “They then came to our village, making it clear that we would suffer the same fate. At that moment, we decided to flee, abandoning everything – our homes, our granaries, our animals. Some walked, while others used tricycles, carts, or bicycles to reach Koro,” she recounted.

Oumou, along with her husband and four children, successfully reached Koro, all safe from immediate danger.

Issa Sagara, the deputy mayor of Koro, emphasized the precarious conditions for welcoming, housing, and feeding the Burkinabè refugees. He has issued a call for widespread mobilization to address the urgent humanitarian needs. Currently, the refugees are distributed across various sites within the town and its surrounding areas, straining local resources.