Altinè was a teenager when her life was uprooted. In 2019, six years after a deadly attack by armed groups in her village of Bankass in Mali’s Mopti region, she was forced to leave her home. At 22 today, Altinè lives at the Faladiè Grabal displacement site in Bamako, but she refuses to be defined by displacement. Thanks to her commitment, leadership skills, and determination, Altinè has distinguished herself as one of the strongest and most committed voices among the displaced young people.
Despite not being able to continue her education beyond 7th grade after her displacement, Altinè found other ways to learn, lead, and speak up, constantly advocating for her community. At every meeting with organizations and associations, Altinè delivered powerful messages advocating for the dignity and rights of internally displaced persons and raises awareness about the lived realities experienced by them.
16 Days of Activism event in Bamako, organised by Global Platform Mali and partners
Altinè joined Global Platform Mali after being approached by the Association Malienne des Déplacés (AME), a local NGO and partner of ActionAid Mali. From her first engagement, her involvement has been remarkable. Her presence is essential during awareness-raising activities, particularly those on gender-based violence. She acts as a bridge: relaying information, mobilising, engaging, and inspiring young IDP (Internally Displaced People) to participate actively in defending their rights.
Within GP Mali, Altinè, alongside other young people from IDP communities, has played a significant role in humanitarian response efforts. She supports emergency assistance by providing translations into local languages such as Fulani, Dogon, and Sonrhaï, ensuring communication is inclusive, respectful, and grounded in local realities.
Her attention to cultural sensitivities, from food preferences, customary practices, to community dynamics, has made her an invaluable point of reference for both displaced and host communities.
“Thanks to the capacity building provided by Global Platform Mali, I have gained leadership skills and understood that nothing can be done for displaced people without their participation,” Altinè says.
Through trainings with the Global Platform, Altinè has strengthened her skills in Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRM)and is now proficient in organising emergency assessments, needs analysis, assembling kits according to household size, humanitarian monitoring, and collaboration with the CRVA (Country Risk and Vulnerability Assessment.)
At the end of 2025, Altinè and her team independently managed a one-off food assistance operation for IDPs at their sites during the lean season, in the middle of the challenging rainy season. Their intervention was praised for its efficiency and responsiveness.
Today, Altinè is a trusted voice for displaced communities and a widely recognized and respected leader within host communities. Hers is a journey of resilience, courage, and determination. Through her actions, Altinè embodies hope and a powerful truth: that even in displacement and hardship, young people can and continue to claim their agency and rights, protect their communities, and shape their own futures.
