UK food aid is also reaching thousands of people in conflict-affected areas in central and northern Mali as well. Here, sacks of UK-funded rice are being transported by WFP from the central river port of Mopti to the northern town of Timbuktu and beyond.

Although security continues to challenge many humanitarian agencies responding in northern Mali, WFP has undertaken food deliveries to the Timbuktu region, up the river Niger, for more than 100,000 people. Distributions are ongoing in Timbuktu and four surrounding districts, with the potential for further food deliveries to take place by road in the coming days.