The terrible droughts of 1973 and 1984 had a considerable impact on the lifestyle of Sahelian pastoralists. Then, between 1990 and 1995, the Tuareg rebellion and severe subsequent military repression made matters even worse for thousands of families, who lost everything on their road to exile. ICRA works with local Tuareg populations of the Menaka region — in northeastern Mali — and takes an active part in setting up a mobile health clinic.
Goals
To come to the aid of Tuareg nomads and their families scattered over vast zones by providing proper medical care.
People in charge : Jean-Pierre Valentin and Zouda ag Kana. Partners: The Lorraine Regional Council (Ircodel), the fishermen songs festival of Paimpol, the Tadhelt association, the UNESCO club of Nancy, sale of traditional handicraft and postcards, generous donations from members and friends.
Practical assistance
• The long-awaited mobile health clinic for Tuareg became operational in January 2011. The decisive actions taken by the mayor of Andéramboukane — Mr Aroudeïny ag Hamatou, our contact in Mali — helped to secure the necessary funding to launch the operation.
• These last years, the situation in northern Mali has remained very unstable. Armed bands (bandits or jihadists) continue their crimes. Fevers of unknown origin (with symptoms close to those of meningitis) have worsened mortality in Sahel. The rains came late and the rainfall was poorly distributed. Excessive heat exhausted the bodies. Zouda and his son conducted several missions in the Menaka circle, with frequent visits to the nomad encampments, particularly at the beginning of the year with the Daoussahaq herders. Zouda gets his medicine in Gao or Bamako. Thanks to the money sent by Akassa, the nurse can carry on with his missions, with great courage. Jean-Pierre remains in close contact with Zouda.