Mali Closes Schools and Universities Amid Worsening Fuel Crisis

Mali has declared a nationwide closure of schools and universities due to a significant fuel crisis. This situation stems from a blockade on fuel imports enforced by Islamist insurgents. Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced on state television that educational institutions would remain closed until 9 November. He mentioned that this blockade has severely impacted the movement of both staff and students.

Fuel Crisis in Mali

The fuel shortage has persisted for several weeks, particularly affecting the capital city of Bamako. Islamist militants, associated with an al-Qaeda affiliate, have been attacking fuel tankers on major highways, leading to this crisis. As a landlocked country, Mali relies on road transport from neighboring countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast for its fuel supplies.

Impact on Daily Life

• Long queues are forming at petrol stations in Bamako.
• The usually busy streets of the city have become notably quiet.
• The military government previously assured citizens that the situation was temporary.

However, the crisis continues to worsen. Last week, the US Embassy in Bamako announced the evacuation of non-essential diplomatic staff and their families due to escalating security concerns. The embassy highlighted that the fuel interruptions have impacted electricity supply and could potentially destabilize the security situation further.

Current Government Situation

Mali is currently governed by a military junta led by General Assimi Goïta, who assumed power in a coup in 2021. Initially, the junta enjoyed popular support as it promised to address the long-standing security issues triggered by a separatist rebellion in the north. This conflict was subsequently taken over by Islamist militants.

In response to the growing insurgency, both the UN peacekeeping forces and French military personnel were deployed in 2013. However, they withdrew after the military coup. Currently, the junta has engaged Russian mercenaries to address the country’s insecurity. Despite these efforts, the jihadist insurgency remains unresolved, with significant areas in the north and east of Mali still beyond government control.