Mali Shuts Schools for Two Weeks Amid Fuel Shortage and Insurgent Blockade

Mali Shuts Schools for Two Weeks Amid Fuel Shortage and Insurgent Blockade
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Mali has suspended all school and university classes nationwide for two weeks starting Monday due to a severe fuel shortage, the government announced, according to Reuters.

The crisis follows a blockade imposed by al-Qaeda-linked militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), who have targeted fuel convoys since early September to pressure the military-led government.

The blockade has disrupted fuel imports, forcing several petrol stations in the capital, Bamako, to close and leaving residents struggling for transportation. Analysts say the blockade is aimed at choking Mali’s economy, already strained by years of conflict and instability.

The announcement of school closures came shortly after Russia pledged to supply between 160,000 and 200,000 metric tons of petroleum and agricultural products to Mali, though details on delivery remain unclear. Mali also delayed the start of its 2024 academic year earlier this year due to severe post-rainy-season flooding.