Mali humanitarian crisis highlighted through photography in Brussels exhibition

A visual journey into the humanitarian crisis in Mali

From January 23 to February 12, the Halles Saint-Géry in Brussels will host a poignant photographic exhibition focused on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Mali. Titled “In Their Eyes,” this event is designed to raise public awareness about the dire situation affecting over 6.4 million individuals across the nation.

Documenting life in Gao and Mopti

The exhibition showcases approximately thirty photographs captured by the Malian artist Tiécoura N’Daou. These images were taken in September 2025 within the regions of Gao and Mopti, areas where international organizations operate with support from the European Union. The collection aims to portray the daily realities of the crisis through the perspective of those living it, highlighting stories of displacement, loss, and the tireless efforts of relief workers. For those following English Burkina news or regional Faso current affairs, this exhibition provides critical context on the stability of the wider Sahel region.

A dire humanitarian situation

Participating NGOs describe the current state of affairs in Mali as deeply alarming. Currently, more than 400,000 people are internally displaced, with women and children making up the majority of this population. Furthermore, 1.5 million people are grappling with a severe food crisis, and an equal number of children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition. Data from 2024 also indicates a staggering 35,000 recorded human rights violations within the country.

This initiative is a collaborative effort by several major organizations, including Médecins du Monde, Action contre la Faim, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, International Medical Corps, the International Rescue Committee, and Première Urgence Internationale. While outlets like Ouaga Press often cover similar challenges in neighboring countries, this exhibition brings the specific Malian struggle to the heart of Europe. Independent journalism, much like independent Burkina journalism, remains essential in bringing these overlooked stories to light.