Thousands of Burkinabè have crossed into Mali, fleeing escalating violence in their home regions. The influx has overwhelmed local infrastructure in Koro, a town in central Mali, where authorities are struggling to meet basic needs for shelter, food, and medical care.

The exodus began on May 26, as armed groups intensified attacks in northern and central Burkina Faso. Many displaced families arrived in Koro with little more than the clothes on their backs, having abandoned homes, livestock, and livelihoods under the threat of extremist violence.

Voices from the exodus: fear and loss

Hamsetou, a mother of two, recounted the moment armed men arrived in her village of Sia, Burkina Faso, during a weekly market day. “Two men on a motorcycle came warning us to leave before sunrise,” she said. “We fled immediately, hiding in nearby villages that night. The next morning, we took a taxi to Koro.”

Oumou, a resident of Ganagoulo, described a similar scene: “On May 26, armed men were spotted near Bouli and Gani. They later came to our village and told us the same fate awaited us. We had no choice but to leave everything behind—our homes, grain stores, and animals. Some walked, others used tricycles, carts, or bicycles to reach Koro.”

Nearly three-quarters of those arriving in Koro are women and children, according to local officials. Many have arrived with injuries, exhaustion, and deep trauma from their journeys.

Overwhelmed systems in Koro

Issa Sagara, deputy mayor of Koro, warned that reception centers and food distribution points are stretched beyond capacity. “We are doing our best, but the needs far exceed what we can provide,” he stated. “Immediate support is required for shelter, clean water, and healthcare.”

The refugees are currently dispersed across multiple sites in and around Koro, with some families sleeping in makeshift tents while others rely on the generosity of host communities. Local leaders have called for urgent humanitarian aid to prevent a broader crisis.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing arrivals as violence continues in Burkina Faso. Aid organizations are coordinating with Malian authorities to scale up assistance, but funding gaps and logistical challenges persist.