Mali Closes Schools Nationwide Amid Fuel Shortage Caused by Militant Blockade

Mali has closed schools and universities nationwide for two weeks due to a severe fuel shortage caused by a blockade imposed by al-Qaida-linked militants. The shortage has disrupted transportation, raised commodity prices, and stranded fuel trucks, while the military struggles to secure supplies. Classes are expected to resume on November 10.

Mali has closed all schools and universities nationwide starting Sunday in response to a severe fuel shortage caused by a blockade imposed by jihadi militants on the country’s capital. Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced on state television that classes would be suspended for two weeks, citing disruptions in fuel supplies that are affecting the movement of school staff. Authorities said they are “doing everything possible” to restore fuel availability before classes are scheduled to resume on November 10.

The blockade was imposed in early September by the al-Qaida-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which restricted fuel imports from neighboring countries. This has severely strained Mali’s fragile economy, leaving hundreds of fuel trucks stranded at the border and leading to long queues at gas stations in the capital, Bamako. The scarcity of fuel has not only affected transportation but also driven up the prices of essential commodities, creating widespread disruption for households and businesses across the country.

Mali, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger, has been battling an ongoing insurgency carried out by various armed groups, including affiliates of al-Qaida and the Islamic State, as well as local rebel factions. Following military coups in all three nations in recent years, the governments expelled French forces and have increasingly relied on Russian mercenary units for security assistance. Analysts say this shift has had limited impact in curbing attacks and ensuring stability.

The Malian military has attempted to mitigate the crisis by escorting some fuel trucks from border areas to Bamako. While a few shipments successfully reached the capital, several others were intercepted or attacked by militants, further exacerbating the shortage. The blockade is widely viewed as a major setback for Mali’s military junta, which seized power in 2020, justifying its takeover as a necessary step to address decades of insecurity and recurring insurgent attacks.

The fuel shortage underscores the fragility of Mali’s infrastructure and economy in the face of militant disruptions. With schools and universities closed, thousands of students have been forced to stay home, compounding the social and economic impact of the crisis. Government officials continue to work on solutions to restore fuel supplies, hoping to resume normal educational and transport activities by mid-November.

Analysts warn that if the blockade persists, the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further, affecting not only education but also healthcare services, food distribution, and general mobility in the capital and surrounding regions. The crisis highlights the ongoing challenge Mali faces in maintaining governance, security, and basic services amid persistent insurgent threats.