Madar (Gao) - UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher made a field visit on Tuesday 10 November 2026 to Gao in northern Mali to assess the humanitarian needs of people affected by the multidimensional crisis the country has faced since 2012, the Malian news agency AMAP reported.
Leading a large UN humanitarian delegation, Fletcher was received by the regional governor, Major General Moussa Moriba Traore. He was accompanied by the national director of social development, Alassane I. Diallo, according to the agency.
Fletcher said his visit aimed to meet actors on the ground, listen to their concerns and better understand the urgent needs of people affected by the crisis. He welcomed the reception given to his delegation by the regional authorities.
The governor of Gao stressed the growing demographic pressure on the region since the crisis broke out in 2012. He said Gao has become a major host area for internally displaced people from the northern and central regions, as well as refugees from neighbouring countries, notably Niger and Burkina Faso.
Despite the efforts of the government and its humanitarian partners, needs remain considerable, he said, adding that the situation also weighs on host families, who face additional pressure on their resources and on essential social services.
The governor particularly highlighted persistent needs in education, health and access to water, while praising the quality of cooperation between regional services and humanitarian organisations working in Gao.
