Mali Faces Fuel Crisis as Al-Qaida-Linked Group Enforces Blockade

Bamako residents struggle with severe fuel shortages as JNIM militants target supply routes from neighboring countries

Residents in Mali’s capital, Bamako, are facing a worsening fuel shortage as long queues stretch across the city. For weeks, commuters have scrambled to find petrol amid a blockade imposed by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaida-linked militant group. The blockade, announced in early September, has crippled fuel imports into the city and triggered panic among drivers and small business owners.

Struggles of Everyday Residents
Bakary Coulibaly, a roadside gas seller, said obtaining fuel has become nearly impossible. “It is only a few stations that have it,” he explained, as he tried to serve desperate customers. Motorists and motorcyclists are often seen fighting for a place in line at the few functioning fuel stations. The chaos highlights the mounting frustration among residents who depend on transportation for their livelihoods.

Motorbike Drivers Endure the Crisis
For many Malians, transportation is not just mobility it’s survival. Douga Barry, a motorcycle taxi driver, said he is prepared to endure the hardship for the sake of the country. “We know we are at war, whatever the situation, and we are ready to take it on. Even if we have to stop our motorcycles to walk, we are ready for it,” he said, reflecting the resilience of Mali’s citizens amid growing insecurity.

Militants Target Fuel Tankers
JNIM militants have been relentlessly attacking fuel tankers traveling from neighboring Senegal and Ivory Coast, effectively cutting off vital fuel supplies to Bamako. These attacks have left hundreds of vehicles stranded and have caused a steep rise in black market fuel prices. The blockade has plunged Mali a landlocked country heavily reliant on imports into a deepening crisis.

Economic Impact of the Blockade
Mali’s already fragile economy is now under severe strain. Despite being one of Africa’s leading gold producers, the nation remains among the world’s poorest, with nearly half of its population living below the poverty line. Analysts warn that the blockade could destabilize the country’s economy even further, driving inflation and worsening living conditions for millions.

Junta Faces Mounting Pressure

The crisis poses a serious challenge for Mali’s ruling military junta, which seized power in 2021 with promises to restore stability and security. However, attacks from militant groups linked to both al-Qaida and the Islamic State have intensified instead. Analysts say the fuel blockade exposes the junta’s inability to protect key infrastructure and maintain economic stability.

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Widespread Destruction of Fuel Convoys
A recent report by the Malian Petroleum Importers Association revealed that more than 100 tanker trucks have been burned or destroyed by JNIM fighters. These attacks have forced importers to halt operations, fearing for the safety of drivers and goods. The destruction of supply routes has not only cut off fuel but also disrupted other essential goods entering the capital.

Military Response and Counterattacks
In response to the crisis, the Malian army has begun escorting convoys transporting fuel between Bamako and the borders with Senegal and Ivory Coast. On Monday, military officials announced that they had destroyed several JNIM hideouts in Kolondiéba, near the Ivory Coast border, following an attack on a tanker convoy. The government insists it remains committed to securing vital trade routes, though experts say the challenge remains enormous.

Humanitarian and Regional Concerns
The ongoing blockade threatens to worsen humanitarian conditions across Mali, where food and fuel shortages are already widespread. Aid agencies warn that prolonged disruptions could lead to a broader crisis, particularly in rural areas dependent on supplies from Bamako. Neighboring countries have also expressed concern, as instability in Mali continues to spill across borders in the volatile Sahel region.

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