To date. the greatest number of deaths have occurred among the Tuaregs. a nomadic people. Their higher rate of death is. in most cases. due to their failure to come into relief stations before reaching a state of exhaustion and extreme dehydration. In such a state they are extremely susceptible to disease and other attendant problems of refugee camplife. The four to five deaths a day that have been reported in Timbuktu have occurred. in the main. among the Tuareg children. Among refugees who have gathered in relief camps before reaching an exhausted condition. the death rate is much lower. It is important to note that in the Sahelian states the death rate even in good times is abnormally high. There is an infant mortality rate of 50 percent. and an average life span of only 43 years.
Identified stereotypes
Tuaregs are described as failing to seek help until exhausted, leading to higher death rates.