After a twelve-day suspension, UNHAS (United Nations) and ICRC aircraft were authorized to return to Malian airspace on Friday, April 10. This reopening, which came after discreet negotiations with the transitional authorities, re-establishes a vital link to the Gao and Timbuktu regions.

A high-voltage interruption

These flights, suspended by the Ministry of Defense since March 30, are essential for the deployment of emergency aid. While their resumption provides a much-needed boost to NGOs, the radio silence from the authorities and organizations involved underscores the sensitivity of the issue.

Reasons for the blockade: Security and suspicion

Although the official reasons have not been detailed, several possibilities explain this shutdown:

1. “Operational” reasons: The Malian army cited ongoing military operations in the areas concerned.
2. Increased control: Bamako wants to strengthen the surveillance of crews and transported equipment.
3. Suspicions of espionage: According to security sources, authorities feared that these flights were being used to collect tactical intelligence from the air.

Towards new procedures?

If the takeover goes ahead, the exact terms of the compromise remain unclear.

Note: Despite rumors about the imposition of new taxes on NGOs, several sources confirm that no financial compensation was required to obtain these flight authorizations.

However, uncertainty persists regarding the evolution of security protocols, leaving humanitarian actors waiting for guarantees for the sustainability of their missions.