Mali Closes Schools Amid Fuel Blockade Crisis by Fighters
Mali’s military government has initiated a two-week closure of schools and universities due to a significant fuel blockade. The blockade is enforced by the armed group Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), which began in September and has severely disrupted fuel imports.
Mali’s Closure of Educational Institutions
The decision to suspend classes was announced by Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane. This suspension will last until November 9. The minister highlighted that fuel supply disruptions are hampering the transportation of school staff.
Assessment of the Fuel Blockade
- Start Date: September 2025
- End Date for Schools: November 9, 2025
The Interministerial Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management has stated that fuel supply restrictions will continue until further notice. Priority will be given to emergency services and public transport vehicles at designated fuel stations.
Impact on the Economy and Society
The blockade has left Mali facing economic strain, impacting commodity prices and transportation across the country. Long queues have formed at gas stations in the capital, Bamako, as residents struggle to find fuel.
Background on the Blockade
JNIM’s blockade is a response to a ban imposed by Malian authorities on selling fuel outside designated stations, especially affecting rural areas. This ban aimed to disrupt JNIM’s supply lines. The armed group retaliated by targeting fuel tankers arriving from Senegal and the Ivory Coast, key routes for most imports.
Regional Security Context
Mali, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, has battled armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, for over a decade. Following military coups in these nations, the new governments expelled French military forces and sought support from Russian mercenaries. However, this shift has not resulted in significant security improvements.
Analysts suggest that the fuel blockade poses a major challenge for Mali’s military government, which seized power in 2020, advocating for a decisive resolution to longstanding security issues.
