Why Care

Why Care for Mali?

Here are good compelling reasons for you to care and think about people and situation of Mali:

1- Out of Sight, Out of Mind?

Did you know that 18 million people in and around Mali are facing severe hunger at this moment?

If you didn’t, it’s hardly a surprise. If Mali was in America, we would receive up-to-the-minute updates about this horrific crisis. But, as usual, the world outside of the United States, and African countries in particular, is out of sight and out of mind for the media.

This is why we must bring the Mali catastrophe back to mind – our own and everyone else’s. There are not many people in America from Mali. So we must urgently spread the news about our suffering sisters and brothers.

2- Rich Legacy of Islamic Literature at Risk

Mali is a land of long-standing Islamic heritage and learning. It holds the written history of Africa and Islam. There used to be more foreign students in Mali 500 years ago than there are now in New York today. It is the land of Mansa Musa, the richest man in human history. During its golden age, there was a flourishing of mathematics, astronomy, literature, and art. This rich history and legacy of Islamic knowledge and civilization of Africa needs to be protected.

3- Lack of Muslim Relief Efforts in Mali

Along with severe poverty, African Muslims are also facing a lack of Muslim relief organizations to serve their physical and spiritual needs. While other faith groups and missionaries are actively working on the ground, organized Muslim social services are absent. Muslims helping Muslims will safeguard their faith and will cater to their cultural and spiritual as well.

4- Extreme Poverty & Health Crisis

Mali is one of the 25 poorest countries in the world. Over half the population (51%) lives below the international poverty line of US $1.25 a day. Mali faces numerous health challenges related to poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation. Mali’s health and development indicators rank among the worst in the world.

In 2000, only 62–65 percent of the population was estimated to have access to safe drinking water and only 69 percent to sanitation services of some kind. Mali’s population also suffers from a high rate of child malnutrition and a low rate of immunization. According to WHO, 27% of under-fives (2006-2010) suffered from moderate to severe underweight.

5- Hopelessness & Current Situation

Mali is a country of beautiful, soft, and humble people. Given their ongoing harsh realities they have developed an exemplary lifestyle of Sabr (fortitude) and resolve. However, like human beings going through trials in life, Malians need to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. They need our compassion & support. They need to know we care.

This current food crisis has resulted largely due to failed harvests. It has further deteriorated in recent months, with conflict in the northern part of the country. This has led to a massive displacement of people both internally and to neighboring countries.

3 Million At Risk

More than three million people are currently facing a serious food crisis, largely due to factors such as failed harvests and rising food prices across the country. The situation has further deteriorated in recent months, with conflict in the north resulting in the massive displacement of people both internally and to neighboring countries.

It’s estimated that more than 500,000 people have been displaced, with over 300,000 seeking refuge in neighboring countries including Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Niger.