According to the Education Cluster in Mali, as of April 2026, more than 1,500 schools across the country remain closed or non-functional due to ongoing insecurity and conflict. This situation directly impacts approximately 500,000 children who are unable to access education.
The regions most affected include Mopti, Ségou, and Gao, where armed group activities and intercommunal violence have forced many families to flee their homes. The Education Cluster, which coordinates the humanitarian response, reports that attacks on schools and threats against teachers continue to disrupt learning.
Humanitarian organizations are working to provide alternative learning opportunities, including temporary learning spaces and distance education programs. However, funding gaps and access constraints remain significant challenges. The 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan for Mali requires $XX million for education, but only X% has been funded as of June 2026.
The Malian government, with support from partners such as UNICEF and Save the Children, is implementing measures to protect the right to education, including the Safe Schools Declaration. Despite these efforts, the education sector remains severely affected by the protracted crisis.
