00:00Mali's new school year began Thursday with more than 2,400 schools unable to reopen has worsening
00:07insecurity and the growing presence of GRD's groups continue to disrupt education. The 2026-2027
00:15academic year has been declared the year of education and culture by President Asimiguita
00:21but thousands of children are starting the year without access to their classrooms. According to
00:28figures from Mali's education ministry the number of closed schools has continued to rise in recent
00:34years as violence spreads across part of the country. The closures are affecting communities
00:40already facing displacement and disruption from the conflict leaving children with fewer opportunities
00:46to continue their education. The government has made education a priority but security situation
00:53remains a major obstacle to reopening schools in affected areas. As the new academic year begins
01:00the challenge for Mali is not only to get children back into school but also to ensure
01:05the schools can remain open and safe despite the continuing insecurity.
