Malians Struggle as Militia Imposes Fuel Blockade

By Abby Burczyk 

Since the end of October, Mali has been suffering from a widespread fuel blockade caused by a jihadist group. The fuel blockade has impacted nearly every aspect of life for Malians by forcing schools to close, impacting power supply to critical industries like healthcare, and resulting in food prices to dramatically surge. The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) militia group is responsible for the fuel blockade. As of November 11, over 100 trucks carrying fuel have been torched by JNIM. As a result, Mali’s army has been deployed throughout the country’s highway systems to escort fuel trucks into the country. Despite efforts by the government, the JNIM has continued to target convoys delivering fuel to Mali. 

The recent escalation of tension in Mali has shown reliance on growing relationships with Russia. The junta government struck a deal with Russia that would ensure up to 200,000 metric tons petroleum and agricultural products would be delivered to Mali in light of the fuel blockade. Since the current junta government has been in power, Russia has large supporter of Mali with the hopes of gaining influence in the region. Mercenary groups from Russia have been active in Mali in the absence of UN and French troops, but have not notably impacted the junta government’s ability to ease tensions with militia groups like the JNIM. 

Other countries like the United States and France have asked citizens not to travel to Mali while the fuel blockade continues. France as recently as November 21, has made efforts to reduce the number of diplomats in Mali as security concerns continue to increase daily. This move by the French comes after similar diplomatic reductions were made by the United States and United Kingdom. The West has been critical of the state of security in Mali and does not believe the presence of Russian nationals are a solution to these concerns. If the junta government is able to successfully overcome the struggles that have come with the fuel blockade while in partnership with Russia, the future of Western influence in the Sahel will be at stake.