Mali is experiencing significant disruption due to a months-long fuel blockade imposed by the al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The blockade, active for over two months, has led to fuel scarcity, impacting transportation, education, healthcare, and the economy across the landlocked West African nation. In response, international bodies have issued travel advisories, while Mali's military government has implemented emergency measures and sought external assistance. Neighboring Niger has also taken action against transport operators refusing to deliver fuel to Mali due to security risks.
Blockade Operations and Impact
The militant group JNIM has targeted fuel tankers on major highways, including those destined for the capital, Bamako. Tactics include attacking petrol tankers, kidnapping drivers, and torching lorries, with reports indicating over 100 trucks have been destroyed. Mali, a landlocked country, relies entirely on road transport for fuel supplies from neighboring nations such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Niger.
The fuel shortages have resulted in widespread consequences:
- Transportation: Public transport fares have reportedly tripled in parts of Bamako, with drivers experiencing lengthy waits at petrol stations.
- Education: Schools and universities were temporarily closed for two weeks, affecting student attendance.
- Healthcare: Hospitals face operational challenges due to diesel shortages for generators, impacting emergency services.
- Economy: Food prices have reportedly tripled in markets like Bamako's Baco Djicoroni, attributed to increased transport costs and reduced supply.
- Utilities: Fuel shortages have also impacted electricity supply in various areas.
International Response
The situation has prompted international advisories and actions:
- France: In late 2023, France advised its citizens in Mali to depart as soon as possible, recommending commercial flights and cautioning against overland travel due to deteriorating security and the fuel blockade.
- United States: The U.S. embassy in Bamako advised non-essential diplomatic staff and their families to leave in November. The U.S. has also issued a general advisory against travel to Mali for its citizens.
- Shipping: MSC, a global shipping company, announced the suspension of its operations in Mali.
Malian Government and Geopolitical Context
Mali is governed by a military junta led by General Assimi Goïta, who assumed power following a 2020 coup. The government initially pledged to address the country's long-standing security crisis, which began with a separatist rebellion in the north and escalated with Islamist militant activity.
The Malian military government has implemented emergency measures to address the fuel crisis, including:
- Military Escorts: Army trucks with soldiers are escorting fuel convoys from borders to Bamako, though some of these convoys have still been subjected to attacks.
- International Agreements: The government has reportedly signed an emergency fuel supply agreement with Russia and is negotiating with Moscow for refined petroleum imports and technical assistance to secure transport routes.
Critics have described the government's approach as reactive. The blockade has highlighted the government's limited control beyond Bamako and has intensified Mali's reliance on Russia, which has provided mercenary group support since the departure of French and UN troops. This increasing dependence on Russia may further strain Mali's relations with Western nations and its severed ties with France. Public concerns include the government's capacity to resolve the crisis and potential broader security implications.
International forces, including a UN peacekeeping mission and French troops, deployed in 2013 to counter the insurgency. However, both have withdrawn since the junta took control. Despite the government's engagement with Russian security assistance, the jihadist insurgency persists, and substantial areas in the northern and eastern regions of Mali remain outside government control.
Niger's Action
Neighboring Niger, an oil-producing country and an ally to Mali, took measures following disruptions to fuel deliveries:
- Sanctions: On January 6, Niger revoked the licenses of 14 transport operators and 19 drivers, with one operator receiving a one-year suspension. Niger's Transport Minister Abdourahamane Amadou cited the refusal to deliver fuel to Mali as a "serious violation of legal and regulatory obligations."
- Supply Efforts: Niger had signed a deal in July to supply 85 million liters of fuel to Mali's northern desert region over six months. In November, Niger successfully delivered 82 fuel tankers, which helped stabilize Mali's energy supply.
- Security Risks: Subsequent planned shipments were disrupted after drivers and transport operators declined to make deliveries due to significant security risks, as fuel convoys from Niger, covering a 1,400km route, reportedly faced jihadist attacks even when under military escort.