Gao — Since military intervention began over a month ago in northern Mali, the city of Gao has been cut off from major markets, leading to shortages of basic goods, skyrocketing food prices and a reliance on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide water and electricity. Two days ago the road from central Mali's Mopti reopened, giving hope to residents that the situation might ease.
"Almost as important as the people returning is the fact that north-south trade can restart," said Abba Haidara, a Gao inhabitant. "We are depending on goods coming in from Bamako, Sikasso and Ségou. Living here now is unaffordable."
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