Mali has closed all schools and universities nationwide due to a severe fuel shortage caused by a blockade imposed by jihadi militants on the capital. The move, which took effect on Sunday, is expected to last for two weeks, according to Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane. The minister cited disruptions in fuel supplies, which have affected the movement of school staff, as the reason for the suspension of classes.
The fuel shortage is a result of a ban on fuel imports from neighboring countries, announced by the al-Qaida-backed Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin group in early September. The blockade has squeezed Mali’s fragile economy, leaving hundreds of fuel trucks stranded at the border. The landlocked country relies heavily on fuel imports to meet its domestic needs, making the blockade a significant setback for the military junta.
Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has been battling an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, as well as local rebels. The country has experienced military coups in recent years, leading to the expulsion of French forces and the recruitment of Russian mercenary units for security assistance. However, analysts say this has had little impact on the security situation.
The fuel scarcity has had a significant impact on daily life in Mali’s capital, Bamako, with long queues forming outside gas stations and a surge in the price of commodities and transportation. The Malian military has attempted to escort fuel trucks from border areas to Bamako, but some have been attacked by militants. The education minister has assured that authorities are working to restore normal fuel supplies before schools resume classes on November 10.
The closure of schools and universities is a significant disruption to the country’s education system, and the government is under pressure to find a solution to the fuel shortage. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Mali’s military junta, which has struggled to maintain security and stability in the country. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the crisis and works to restore normalcy to the country.
