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| This image is for representation purpose only [Photo Credit: Oxfam] |
Bamako: The international aid
group Oxfam warns the food situation in northern Mali is very critical
following the recent military intervention by France.
Amid growing numbers of
reports of reprisal attacks, the price of food and fuel is rocketing as
supplies start to dry up after looting following recent military operations,
and with traders who have fled, the group warned .
Many food traders, who
are predominantly Arabs or ethnic Tuareg, fled the area as French troops
advanced. They were key suppliers of food, fuel and other goods sold in markets
across northern Mali.
These markets are rapidly
running out of stocks of food and fuel – and much of what food was available
has been looted. The traders have yet to return and many Arab and Tuareg
refugees in neighboring countries tell
Oxfam they fear that they would become
subject to reprisal attacks if they do return.
“If traders do not come
back soon and flows of food into northern Mali remain as limited as they are
now, then it is likely that markets will not be properly stocked and prices
will stay high – making it very difficult for people to get enough food to feed
their families. These traders are critical for local economies – and these
economies have already been enormously weakened by almost a year of crisis.
“This phase of the war
may almost be over, but the battle to build peace and stability has only just
begun. If people feel that their lives are at risk and that their families are
not safe they will not return to Mali. It’s as simple as that,” said Philippe
Conraud, Oxfam country director in Mali.
Food prices spikes
Food is already getting
scarce in many markets in parts of the Gao region, where communities have been
facing shortages since last year’s drought. According to recent assessments by
Oxfam, food prices have risen by nearly 20 per cent since foreign military
intervention in Mali in January.
Conventional trade routes
between northern Mali and the south, Niger and Algeria are severely restricted
at the moment.
Oxfam is calling on both
Malian and international forces to ensure the security and safety of all Malian
people so that communities can put their lives together and the process of
peace and reconciliation begins.