Islamic Relief has actively participated in all coordination and relief efforts, and was the first agency to provide aid to the Zagoua camp refugees
Civil Conflict
A military rebellion in September 2002 has led to ongoing political unrest in the Ivory Coast. As the government troops and rebels clash, the security situation in the country has rapidly deteriorated.
Over 400 people have been killed in the recent conflict, and 200,000 more have been forced to flee their homes. Fighting has been particularly concentrated around Bouake, and thousands have fled the city.
Approximately 3000 people have crossed the border into Mali, while thousands more have been displaced within the country.
The Government of Mali has established a reception centre for refugees in the border village of Zagoua. The refugees are registered here, and eventually transferred to Louloni refugee camp, further inside Mali.
Mali Requests Aid
The Prime Minister of Mali and the Ministry of Security have called on the UN, foreign embassies, and NGOs for assistance. Islamic Relief (IR) is currently the only international NGO present on the ground in Mali. The government’s Crisis Committee has formally requested Islamic Relief’s assistance and intervention.
IR truck transporting food & aid for the refugees
Aid and Assistance
Islamic Relief has actively participated in all coordination and relief efforts, and was the first agency to provide aid to the Zagoua camp refugees. IR’s Ramadhan 2002 Food Distribution programme has been extended this year to include the Ivory Coast refugees.
Additionally, Islamic Relief will be distributing daily food rations to around 1500 refugees in both the Zegoua and Louloni camps. IR’s preliminary budget for refugee assistance is $12,953. This will provide essentials such as food, water, blankets, mattresses, and kitchen utensils.
IR truck transporting food & aid for the refugees
Partnerships
The British Consulate in Mali has generously donated $9,000 to Islamic Relief to help with the food distribution. Islamic Relief’s Mali office is also implementing food distribution worth $15,000 on behalf of the UN WFP.
Islamic Relief will be monitoring the refugee situation in Mali, and will remain ready to respond as necessary to ease suffering and distress.