Mali has temporarily shut down all schools and universities nationwide as a worsening fuel crisis cripples movement and disrupts daily life.
The country’s Education Minister, Amadou Sy Savane, announced on state television Sunday that classes would be suspended for two weeks, citing severe fuel shortages that have made it difficult for teachers and students to travel.
“Classes will be suspended for two weeks due to disruptions in fuel supplies that are affecting the movement of school staff,” he said.
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The fuel shortage follows a blockade imposed by jihadi militants on fuel imports into the capital, Bamako. In early September, the al-Qaida-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin declared a ban on fuel imports from neighboring countries, trapping hundreds of fuel trucks at border posts and deepening the strain on Mali’s already fragile economy.
Long queues have since formed at fuel stations across Bamako, while the scarcity has driven up the cost of transportation and essential goods.
The blockade poses a major setback for the ruling military junta, which seized power in 2020 promising to restore stability after years of insurgent attacks. Despite turning to Russian mercenaries for support after expelling French forces, Mali continues to grapple with worsening insecurity.
In response, the Malian military has attempted to escort stranded fuel convoys from the borders to the capital. While some trucks have successfully arrived, others have come under attack from militants, AP reported.
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The education minister said the government is working urgently to resolve the crisis and ensure schools can reopen on November 10. “Authorities are doing everything possible to restore normal fuel supplies before classes resume,” he added.
