Photographer from Mali captures human crisis through powerful images

ArtsMali

Capturing human suffering: a Malian photographer’s mission through lens

Meet Tiécoura N’Daou, a Malian photographer whose exhibition in Berlin shed light on the country’s humanitarian crisis. Plus, discover how young bakers in Yaoundé are reinventing bread with local flours.

In Mali, an estimated 6.4 million people now rely on humanitarian aid and protection, with over 400,000 forced from their homes—mostly women and children. Another 1.5 million face severe food insecurity, while 1.5 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. Behind these stark figures stand real people: displaced families, aid workers, and communities struggling to survive.

To bring global attention to this overlooked crisis, seven humanitarian organizations—including Action Against Hunger—collaborated on an exhibition titled Mali: Personal Glimpses of a Humanitarian Crisis, featuring the work of Malian photographer, educator, and researcher Tiécoura N’Daou. The exhibition, recently concluded in Berlin, offers intimate portraits that go beyond statistics to reveal the human cost of conflict and displacement.

The artist shares his perspective on why every image carries weight—and how photography can spark change.

Innovative baking trends in Cameroon’s capital

In Yaoundé, the scent of freshly baked bread fills the air—but this time, it carries a new meaning. The city recently hosted a national competition for artisanal bakers, organized by the Support Service for Local Development Initiatives (SAILD) in partnership with the Citizen Association for Collective Interest Defense (ACDIC). The goal? To highlight the rising trend of using local flours in bread-making and encourage sustainable, locally sourced food production.

From corn and cassava to plantain and groundnut, young bakers are transforming traditional recipes into delicious, nutritious loaves. This culinary innovation not only supports local farmers but also strengthens food security in a region facing climate and economic challenges.