Aid groups say violence has forced about 50,000 people from their homes in northern and central Mali so far this year, significantly more than the same period last year.

The Norwegian Refugee Council said there was a growing number of armed groups in the region, as well as communal clashes and ongoing military operations against Islamist militants.

The United Nations says more than five million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Mali, more than at any time since conflict broke out six years ago.