Mali has closed all schools and universities in the country due to a serious fuel crisis caused by a blockade imposed by the Al Qaeda-affiliated militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).
The blockade, which began in early September, has targeted fuel imports from neighboring countries, leaving hundreds of fuel trucks stranded at the border and severely disrupting transportation, commodity prices and daily life.
Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced the closure of schools until November 9, citing disruptions to academic activities and fuel supplies.
He also confirmed that authorities are “doing everything possible” to end the crisis and restore normal fuel supplies so that classes can resume on November 10.
Mali’s capital Bamako and other areas have been experiencing fuel shortages for weeks due to a blockade imposed by al Qaeda-affiliated militants, who have attacked fuel tankers on main roads, disrupting supplies.
According to the BBC, the situation highlights Mali’s vulnerabilities as a landlocked nation reliant on land imports, with the blockade exacerbating existing economic and security challenges.
In Bamako, fuel shortages have caused long lines at gas stations and city streets have become unusually quiet. Although the military government assured that the problem was temporary, the crisis continues to affect the daily lives of citizens.
Last week, the US Embassy in Bamako recommended non-essential diplomatic staff and their families leave Mali due to worsening fuel shortages and growing security concerns.
The embassy cited disruptions in electricity supply and possible impacts on the overall security situation.
Mali is currently under the rule of a military junta led by General Assimi Goïta, who took power in a 2021 coup with popular support and promised to address the country’s security crisis.
However, the UN peacekeeping mission and French forces, deployed in 2013 to combat the growing insurgency, have withdrawn since the military junta took power.
The government has since hired Russian mercenaries to address security concerns, but the jihadist insurgency persists, and significant areas of the north and east remain outside government control.
(BBC)
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