Brussels exhibition reveals Mali’s humanitarian crisis through powerful images
Seven leading humanitarian organizations are bringing a compelling photographic exhibition to Brussels, offering an unfiltered view of the Mali humanitarian crisis. Titled In Their Eyes, the display runs from January 23 to February 12 at the iconic Halles Saint-Géry, inviting visitors to witness the realities faced by over 6.4 million Malians caught in conflict and displacement.
The exhibition features around thirty powerful photographs captured by Malian photographer Tiécoura N’Daou. These images were taken in September 2025 across Gao and Mopti regions—areas deeply affected by ongoing violence and instability. The project is a collaborative effort by Médecins du Monde, Action contre la Faim, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, and Première Urgence Internationale, with essential support from the European Union.
why this exhibition matters: documenting human resilience amid crisis
The photographers and humanitarian teams behind In Their Eyes aim to tell the story through the eyes of those living through the crisis every day. The exhibit doesn’t just showcase suffering—it highlights the strength and resilience of Mali’s people, particularly women and children, who make up the majority of those displaced. Visitors will see not only the challenges but also the ongoing humanitarian efforts delivering aid and hope in some of the most difficult conditions.
key figures from the Mali crisis
- Over 400,000 internally displaced persons, most of whom are women and children, have been forced from their homes due to violence and insecurity.
- 1.5 million people are currently experiencing severe food shortages, with 1.5 million children under five suffering from acute malnutrition.
- More than 35,000 human rights violations were recorded in Mali in 2024, reflecting the widespread impact of the conflict on civilian lives.
The situation remains “alarming” according to participating NGOs, who stress that the international community’s attention and support are urgently needed to address this growing humanitarian emergency.
how to experience the exhibition
In Their Eyes is free and open to the public during its three-week run at Halles Saint-Géry. The exhibition runs from January 23 to February 12, 2026, offering visitors a powerful visual narrative that connects Brussels audiences directly to the realities on the ground in Mali. Whether for educational purposes, advocacy, or personal awareness, this display provides a rare opportunity to engage with one of Africa’s most pressing humanitarian crises firsthand.
Location: Halles Saint-Géry, Brussels Dates: January 23 – February 12, 2026 Admission: Free and open to all