A painful separation
By Edwige Depagne-Sorgho/ Plan International
She’s had to evacuate Sévaré without her mother or her two-year old brother. The only reason that they were left behind was because her mum, Habibatou, was short on bus fare by 6,000 CFA (US$12).
"She has to put her children first, that is what mothers do", her aunt Zachery said.
Saoudata and three other brothers and sisters will be living with their Aunty Zachery and Uncle Ahmed.
 |
| Credit: Plan Iternational |
It’s the second time they were uprooted because of the conflict in Mali. Last year, the Timbuktu family – including Ahmed, Zachery and their three children - fled to Sévaré when fighting broke out in the historic north Malian city. They felt Sévaré would be safe. Now they’ve had to run again, this time to Ségou the regional capital in central Mali where there is a large army and government presence.
This city is still bustling with activity seemingly oblivious to the fighting north and west of the town. There was a tense moment when the armed insurgents crossed the border from Mauritania and seized Diabaly about 160km north of Ségou. The tension was noticeable in the town but the following day everything was back to normal. The markets and stores are open and trading is alive and well.
In the midst of life, Saoudata is visibly unhappy.
