News|EducationMali shuts schools as fuel blockade imposed by fighters paralyses countryMilitary government orders two-week closure for schools and universities as blockade on fuel imports declared by JNIM causes further disruptions.

The military government of Mali has announced a two-week closure of schools and universities due to disruptions in fuel supplies caused by a blockade. This decision, announced by Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane on Sunday, Oct 22, 2023, aims to address the challenges in the movement of school staff. Schools are expected to resume classes on Thu, Nov 10, 2023.

The Interministerial Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management has stated that restrictions on fuel supplies will remain in place until further notice. Priority will be given to “emergency, assistance, and public transport vehicles” at designated stations.

The blockade was initiated in September by the Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) armed group. It targets fuel imports primarily from Senegal and the Ivory Coast, impacting the transportation of goods. The blockade is reportedly a response to the Malian authorities' ban on selling fuel outside official stations in rural areas, aimed at disrupting JNIM’s supply lines.

The blockade has significantly strained Mali's economy, leading to increased prices for commodities and transportation. These effects are notably visible in the capital, Bamako, where long queues have formed at gas stations. The blockade presents a challenge to the military government, which took control in 2020 with the objective of resolving ongoing security crises.

In recent years, Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, has faced threats from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), as well as local insurgents. Following military coups, these countries have expelled French forces and sought assistance from Russian mercenary units, which has yet to yield significant improvements in security conditions.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.