"Our role as a neutral intermediary is a fundamental aspect of our mandate,” explains Nicolas Lambert, head of the ICRC’s Mali delegation. “The ICRC teams were able to transfer the injured to a suitable medical facility so they can receive the further treatment they need in order to recover and eventually be reunited with their families.”

“For the ICRC, it is essential to guarantee that the sick and injured in areas affected by conflict have access to the medical care they need,” continued Lambert. In accordance with its mandate, and with the agreement of the health authorities, the ICRC is therefore supporting some twenty community health centres, Gao and Mopti Hospitals and a number of referral health centres, by providing essential medical products and both technical and financial support to health personnel. Between January and June 2026, almost 70,000 people received treatment at these ICRC-supported health ministry facilities.

The ICRC underlines that under international humanitarian law, detainees and the injured must be treated humanely under all circumstances. Measures must be taken to guarantee their safety and dignity during transfers. The ICRC reiterates its commitment to maintaining bilateral, confidential and constructive dialogue with all parties to the conflict. This approach allows the organization to fully carry out its role as a neutral intermediary, acting in the interests of people who are affected or vulnerable, on strictly humanitarian grounds.