Mali’s military government has declared a two-week closure of schools and universities across the country, a move prompted by the ongoing fuel blockade imposed by the armed group Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). This blockade, which began in September, has led to significant disruptions in fuel supplies, essential for the movement of school staff and transportation across the nation.
Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced the school suspension on Sunday, confirming that classes will remain halted until November 9. He expressed hopes that authorities can restore fuel supplies before classes resume on November 10, emphasizing that efforts are underway to address the situation.
The Interministerial Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management also noted that fuel distribution will be restricted until further notice, with priorities given to emergency and public transport vehicles at designated stations. This announcement follows JNIM’s blockade on fuel imports from neighboring countries, a strategy they enacted as a response to the Malian government’s ban on rural fuel sales.
The blockade has severely impacted Mali’s already fragile economy, driving up costs for essential commodities and affecting transportation logistics within the country. Residents, particularly in the capital city of Bamako, have been faced with long queues at gas stations as fuel shortages worsen.
Mali, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, has grappled with instability for over a decade due to an upsurge in violence from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). The military governments that have emerged in these countries following recent coups have sought alternative security support, moving away from French assistance towards private military contractors from Russia, though these changes have so far yielded minimal improvements in security.
This situation presents a considerable challenge to Mali’s military government, which has attempted to justify its takeover as a necessary measure to address persistent security issues in the region. With the educational disruptions adding to the country’s difficulties, analysts indicate that the government’s position may be further compromised by the ongoing challenges posed by groups like JNIM. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to restore stability and improve conditions for citizens facing these unprecedented challenges.