Brussels, Belgium , 19 January 2026 —  The photographic exhibition “In Their Eyes: Another Look at the Humanitarian Crisis in Mali” is the result of a partnership between seven humanitarian NGOs and Malian photographer Tiécoura N’Daou, and will be presented at Halles Saint-Géry from 23rd January to 12th February 2026. This is an opportunity to learn about and discover this alarming humanitarian situation through the eyes of women, men, and children.

The photo exhibition “In Their Eyes” is produced by Doctors of the World, Action Against Hunger, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, International Medical Corps, the International Rescue Committee, and Première Urgence Internationale and is supported by the European Union. It aims to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Mali, which affects more than 6.4 million people.

Through 30 large-format photographs taken by photographer Tiécoura N’Daou, who visited the zones where we operate in September 2025, this exhibition seeks to inform about this crisis through the eyes of those who experience it every day. The photographed faces become stories of courage and resilience, bearing witness to loss and forced displacement, bravery, and dignity. The exhibition also gives a voice to the humanitarian workers who operate behind the scenes - those who provide care, distribute food and medicine, and travel to inaccessible or insecure areas. Together, these perspectives remind us that sustained commitment is essential.

The humanitarian situation in Mali is alarming. More than 400,000 people are internally displaced, the majority women and children. Some 1.5 million people are facing a food crisis, and 1.5 million children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition. In 2024, more than 35,000 human rights violations were recorded throughout the country, particularly affecting women and children. Furthermore, for several months, armed groups have been extending their control along major roads, destabilising markets and isolating entire communities who are too often deprived of access to aid. This insecurity restricts the movement of people and prevents them from accessing essential services such as healthcare, food, water, shelter, and education.

“Humanitarian staff also face numerous obstacles. In 2025, more than 700 security incidents were recorded in Mali (violence, kidnappings, etc.). Despite this context of ongoing insecurity, our teams continue to provide essential aid to those in need,” says Federico Dessi, Director of Doctors of the World in Belgium.

“By providing vital assistance in terms of health, food, water, hygiene, and shelter, these humanitarian NGOs are supporting the most vulnerable populations in Mali, particularly displaced persons. Their work, carried out alongside national and local actors, is a long-term commitment to meeting the essential needs of communities,” explains Edouard Rodier, Director for Europe at the Norwegian Refugee Council.

“This exhibition serves as a wake-up call to Europeans and policymakers - ensuring that the people of Mali, and the hardships they face each day, are not forgotten. At this moment of shrinking global aid funding, it’s more important than ever that the EU and its member states sustain and strengthen their financial and diplomatic support to prevent this crisis spiralling further still,” says Matias Meier, Mali Country Director at the International Rescue Committee.

Practical information:

- For journalists: A private opening reception will be held at 6 pm on 22nd at Halles Saint-Géry, featuring the West African music group Aboubakar Traoré & Balima, followed by a cocktail reception and a presentation of the exhibition. Journalists are warmly invited.

Please confirm your attendance: Launch of Mali exhibition "Opening their eyes" or by email to elise.cartuyvels@medecinsdumonde.be

- For the general public: The exhibition will be held from 23rd January to 12th February at Halles Saint-Géry, Place Saint-Géry 1, 1000 Brussels, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free.

Notes:

About the projects photographed for the exhibition:

These projects are carried out in the Gao and Mopti regions, with the support of the European Union (the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Department – ​​ECHO).

About the photographer: Tiécoura N’Daou is a Malian photographer, multimedia artist, and teacher-researcher, graduate of the Conservatory of Arts and Multimedia in Bamako. His work lies at the intersection of research and creation, blending photography, video, and visual arts. His career is marked by numerous international exhibitions and residencies, including the Sesc_videobrazil Contemporary Art Biennial in São Paulo, the African Digital Innovation Festival in Johannesburg, the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students in Russia, the Bamako Encounters, and the Contemporary Art Biennial on Réunion Island. He travelled to NGO intervention zones in Mali in September 2025 to photograph this exhibition.