Jihadist Fuel Blockade Causes Widespread Disruption in Mali

Jihadist Fuel Blockade Disrupts Daily Life in Mali

For over two months, Mali has experienced significant disruption due to a fuel blockade initiated by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist militia. This action represents an expansion of the group's ongoing insurgency to include economic warfare, impacting daily life across the landlocked West African nation.

JNIM fighters have targeted tankers transporting fuel into Mali, particularly those destined for the capital, Bamako. Reports indicate the kidnapping of drivers and the destruction of over 100 trucks. This strategy targets the primary means of fuel supply from neighboring states such as Senegal and Ivory Coast.

The fuel shortage has had multiple consequences for Malians:

• Transportation: Public transport fares have tripled in certain areas of Bamako, leading some residents to walk long distances. Many taxi, delivery, and bus drivers report lengthy waits, sometimes exceeding four days, at petrol stations.
• Education: Schools and universities were temporarily closed for two weeks, affecting student attendance and staff travel, particularly in rural regions.
• Healthcare: Hospitals face operational challenges due to diesel shortages, which limit the use of generators for power. This has impacted emergency services and staff attendance.
• Economy: Food prices have reportedly tripled in markets like Bamako's Baco Djicoroni, attributed to increased transport costs and reduced supply of imported goods.

The situation has drawn international attention. The United States has advised its citizens against travel to Mali, while France has recommended that its citizens in the country depart as soon as possible.

Mali's military-led government, led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, has implemented emergency measures to address the crisis:

• Military Escorts: Army trucks with soldiers are escorting fuel convoys from borders to Bamako. However, these operations carry security risks, and some convoys have still been subjected to attacks.
• International Agreements: The government has reportedly signed an emergency fuel supply agreement with Russia. State media indicates ongoing negotiations with Moscow for refined petroleum imports and technical assistance to secure transport routes.

Critics have described the government's approach as reactive rather than proactive.

The fuel blockade has presented a complex challenge for the government. While it allows the regime to present itself as a victim of jihadism, potentially fostering nationalistic support, it has also highlighted the government's limited control beyond Bamako. This situation has also intensified Mali's reliance on Russia, which has provided mercenary group support since the departure of French and UN troops. Increased dependence on Russia risks further straining Mali's already tense relations with Western nations, including the US and the European Union, and its severed ties with France.

Public discourse includes concerns about the government's capacity to resolve the crisis and potential broader security implications if shortages persist.