Food insecurity the next crisis for northern Mali

"Many more northern Malians are likely to face severe food shortages in the coming days and weeks if markets remain blocked by border and road closures, and humanitarian access remains limited, warn food security agencies. Disruption to the Mopti-Douentza-Gao corridor has also led to severely diminished cereal supplies in Gao markets, says Action Against Hunger's head in the capital, Bamako, Franck Vannetelle. Gao residents are relying on cereal imports from Niger. 'If the border with Niger closes then they will be completely cut off… It would be a disaster,' Vannetelle warned. Most herders have fled into the bush with their animals, leaving very little meat available in the market, he said."