Mali shuts schools nationwide as Jihadists block fuel supply

The Malian government has announced a two-week suspension of classes across all schools and universities starting Monday, citing a crippling fuel shortage triggered by a blockade imposed by al Qaeda-linked militants.

Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a group allied with al Qaeda, declared in early September that it would block fuel imports into the landlocked West African nation. Since then, militants have launched attacks on tanker convoys attempting to deliver fuel or reach the capital, Bamako.

Analysts say the blockade is part of a broader effort by jihadist groups to pressure Mali’s military government by targeting the country’s economic lifelines.

In Bamako, several fuel stations have shut down, and with petrol running out, many residents are walking long distances, relying on motorcycle taxis, or staying indoors.

The education ministry’s announcement on the temporary school closure came shortly after news that Russia plans to supply Mali with between 160,000 and 200,000 metric tons of petroleum and agricultural goods.

According to Alexey Keulika, who led the visiting Russian delegation, details on the specific petroleum products and delivery timeline were not provided. He also disclosed that a board meeting for a Russia-backed gold refinery under construction in Mali would take place in November.

Mali had also postponed the start of its academic year in 2024 following severe flooding that hit the country after heavy rains.