Bamako, Mali
Mali is grappling with a severe fuel crisis that has brought the nation to a standstill, with prices soaring over 500% and daily life disrupted across the capital, Bamako, and beyond. The military government, led by General Assimi Goïta, has attributed the shortage to a deliberate blockade orchestrated by jihadist groups, notably Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate.
The crisis, which has forced the closure of schools and universities until November 10, underscores the deepening challenges facing the country. The crisis erupted in late October when militants attacked fuel tankers on major highways, effectively cutting off supply routes to Bamako and other key regions.
Education Minister, Mamadou Kone, confirmed that the scarcity has severely hampered staff and student mobility, and has prompted the government to suspend classes. The US Embassy in Bamako issued a stark advisory on October 27, urging American citizens to evacuate immediately due to the worsening fuel shortage and escalating security threats.
Goïta has vowed a robust response. The government is urging the populace to unite behind the army against what it calls “enemies of the Republic.” However, this official stance has been met with scepticism and criticism from some quarters in the country. Some commentators have voiced frustration, accusing the junta of deflecting blame onto external forces rather than addressing internal mismanagement.
Reports from the Africa Centre indicate that militant Islamist violence has surged, with over 1,000 incidents recorded in 2023 alone, a trend likely exacerbated by the current crisis. The blockade’s impact extends beyond fuel, with JNIM exploiting ethnic divisions and rural discontent to consolidate control over central Mali, areas some analysts liken to a “Caliphate.”
The fuel crisis has paralysed the country, forcing school closures and prompting a US embassy evacuation order. While the military junta blames JNIM militants, public scepticism grows over its ability to manage the situation. This emergency highlights the junta’s precarious position, caught between escalating insurgent violence and a populace enduring the collapse of basic services and economic stability.
