BAMAKO, Mali — The Malian military government has ordered all schools and universities to shut for two weeks as a worsening fuel blockade by al-Qaeda–linked fighters cripples the country’s transport and energy systems.
Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced the closure on Sunday, citing severe fuel shortages that have made it difficult for teachers and students to travel. Schools are expected to reopen on November 10 if supplies improve.
The blockade, imposed in September by the Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) group, has paralyzed much of the country. The armed group has been attacking fuel tankers coming from Senegal and Ivory Coast, cutting off Mali’s main import routes.
Authorities said fuel distribution will now be restricted to “emergency, assistance, and public transport vehicles” until further notice.
Long queues have formed at petrol stations in Bamako and other cities, while food prices and transport costs have soared in the landlocked nation that relies heavily on fuel imports.
The blockade has become one of the toughest challenges yet for Mali’s military rulers, who seized power in 2020, expelled French forces, and aligned with Russian mercenaries. Despite promises of improved security, analysts say the crisis underlines the government’s deepening struggle to stabilize the country.
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