With Mali facing what one UN rights expert’s called dire political, economic and social upheaval, the UN-led humanitarian efforts in the country are vitally important to much of the population.

Mbaranga Gasarabwe is the UN Deputy Special Representative in Mali, where she oversees the work of 21 UN humanitarian agencies.

During a visit to UN Headquarters in November, Ms. Gasarabwe, who has more than 20 years of experience with the United Nations in development and humanitarian assistance, spoke to Conor Lennon, and explained that the current situation in Mali is very different, and more difficult, than it was when she first started working there.