Dozens of vehicles, including fuel tankers, trucks and minibuses, have been set ablaze near Mali’s capital, Bamako, as jihadist fighters intensified a blockade around the city.
The incident reportedly occurred about 45 kilometres west of Bamako, where attackers intercepted vehicles and forced passengers and drivers to disembark before setting the vehicles on fire. No casualties have been reported.
The blockade has been linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an armed group affiliated with al-Qaeda that has been increasing pressure on the Malian government.
JNIM initially imposed a fuel blockade on Bamako last year and later intensified restrictions after launching attacks on the capital in recent weeks.
Mali, a landlocked West African nation, depends heavily on fuel supplies transported through neighbouring coastal countries such as Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. The continued attacks on supply routes have significantly disrupted movement and economic activities.
Reports indicate that militants have kidnapped drivers and destroyed more than 100 fuel trucks on major highways since last year, although some fuel convoys have reportedly reached Bamako under military escort.
The worsening security situation has also triggered shortages and rising prices of basic goods in the capital, with residents expressing concerns over the increasing cost of living.
Ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, traders and residents have also reported difficulties transporting livestock into Bamako, leading to a rise in the prices of sheep and other animals traditionally purchased for the celebrations.
Mali’s military government, led by Assimi Goïta, has continued its efforts to contain the insurgency with support from Russian military personnel, but attacks by armed groups have persisted across several parts of the country.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over security and economic stability in Mali as authorities continue efforts to tackle the insurgency.
