Mali: more than 2,400 schools remain closed as insecurity disrupts new school year

Mali's new school year has begun with over 2,400 schools remaining closed due to escalating insecurity and the presence of jihadist groups. Despite President Assimi Goïta declaring the 2026-2027 academic year as the \"year of education and culture,\" thousands of children are deprived of classroom access as violence continues to spread across the country.