Mali Fuel Shortage Raises Concerns Over Economic Strain

The armed group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) announced a fuel blockade in a video last week, taking responsibility for recent attacks on convoys transporting fuel from neighboring Senegal. The move represents a shift in tactics, aimed at cutting off Bamako from critical resources.

Residents of the capital report growing fear. “The jihadists are spreading information that they are taking control everywhere. In Bamako, this frightens us; we are worried,” said Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, a retired soldier. “But it is propaganda. They will not take Bamako. I am a former soldier, and I swear the terrorists cannot take this country.”

Mali’s landlocked position makes it particularly vulnerable. The country depends on imports from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire for essential goods such as fuel and cement. Economist Modibo Mao Makalou warned that the blockade could have severe economic consequences. “Fuel and its derivatives make up 33% of Mali’s imported goods and services. Senegal is a key supplier. This blockade is meant to halt economic exchanges, strangle the country economically, and, above all, prevent the capital from receiving vital supplies

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