The Malian government has launched a project aimed at finding durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sikasso and Segou regions. The project, led by the Ministries of Urban Planning and Social Development, is financed by the European Union and implemented by UN-Habitat and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The initiative seeks to enable IDPs to access decent housing, essential services, and livelihoods.
The project's first steering committee meeting was held in Bamako, with Minister of Urban Planning, Housing, Domains, Territorial Planning, and Population Imirane Abdoulaye Toure presiding over the ceremony. Also in attendance were representatives from the UN system, Mathias Spaliviero, and the European Union, Evi Ruso-Dragoumis. The project's goal is to support IDPs in rebuilding their lives with dignity and to strengthen host communities.
The 4 billion FCFA project will run for 36 months, with six months dedicated to preparation. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by IDPs, including access to decent housing, essential services, and livelihoods. It also seeks to support host cities in meeting the growing needs for housing, land, employment, and collective equipment.
According to Mathias Spaliviero, a durable solution requires that IDPs no longer need specific assistance or protection related to their displacement and can exercise their fundamental rights without discrimination. He emphasized the central role of authorities in leading the process, ensuring that IDPs have access to dignified living conditions and are fully integrated into their host communities.
Evi Ruso-Dragoumis, representative of the European Union, highlighted the need to associate the integration of displaced persons with support for host communities. She stressed that the objective is to contribute to creating conditions that allow IDPs to participate fully in economic and social life while supporting host communities.
The project focuses on Sikasso and Segou regions due to their role in hosting IDPs. The initiative aims to improve living conditions for displaced families while strengthening those of host communities. For families forced to abandon everything, the challenge is to regain access to housing, livelihoods, and the possibility of rebuilding their future.
Minister Imirane Abdoulaye Toure called for the translation of commitments into concrete results, enabling IDPs to regain autonomy and fully resume their place in society. The project is part of the government's efforts to address the challenges of internal displacement and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- The European Union has provided 4 billion FCFA to support internally displaced persons in Mali's Sikasso and Segou regions.
- The project aims to enable IDPs to access decent housing, essential services, and livelihoods.
- The initiative seeks to support host communities in meeting the growing needs for housing, land, employment, and collective equipment.
