Conflict and insecurity have a direct impact on access to populations in need. In Mali, accessing the northern regions – the area most affected by the conflict that broke in 2012 – remains a serious challenge. Huge areas are off-limits. Armed groups are present and carry out attacks against national and international armed forces. The state has not regained control of the whole territory, and its limited presence has paved the way to banditry. The International NGO Safety Organisation(INSO) regularly reports vehicle thefts and other security incidents that make the delivery of humanitarian assistance extremely difficult. 

This is the scenario where the European Commission’s humanitarian air service (ECHO Flight) operates in Mali. In this photo story, you can see how two small planes and a committed team are helping humanitarians reach the most remote and dangerous areas in the country.

Learn more about the Commission's humanitarian air service.