Mali’s economy teeters on the brink of collapse as the JNIM jihadist group maintains a relentless fuel blockade. By intensifying attacks on fuel tankers—especially those arriving from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire—the militants aim to isolate the capital, Bamako, and pressure the ruling junta. This strategy retaliates against the authorities’ ban on fuel sales outside rural service stations, a measure intended to disrupt the jihadists’ supply lines.
The blockade has triggered severe fuel shortages, worsening power outages that have crippled the economy for the past five years. In response, the junta has cancelled classes at schools and universities for two weeks. Agricultural machinery is now inoperable, further hampering daily life beyond the capital. Efforts by Malian intermediaries to negotiate with the jihadists have failed, prompting Western governments to urge their citizens to leave the country. The United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Canada have withdrawn non‑essential staff and advised nationals to depart immediately, citing the “unpredictability of Bamako’s security situation” and the “ongoing armed conflict” around the capital.
According to Bakary Sambe, director of the Timbuktu Institute, the jihadists are pursuing economic exhaustion to weaken the transitional regime rather than preparing a direct military assault on Bamako. JNIM has also targeted industrial and mining sites, particularly in the Kayes region, which produces 80 percent of Mali’s gold. Recent attacks include the kidnapping of Indian and Chinese employees; the group later released three hostages in exchange for a ransom estimated between €50 million and €70 million, along with several tons of military equipment.
The Malian army claims to have struck a major terrorist base near Sirakoro, neutralising more than a dozen militants and destroying equipment. The ongoing crisis carries profound implications for Mali’s economy and security, intensifying pressure on the junta to resolve the fuel shortage and restore stability. As the situation deteriorates, the international community watches with growing concern, and Mali’s future remains uncertain.
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