Mali has ordered the closure of schools and universities nationwide for two weeks starting Monday amid a worsening fuel shortage caused by a blockade enforced by al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgents.
The measure follows a campaign launched in early September by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which announced it would block fuel entering the country. The group has since targeted tanker convoys transporting petrol into Mali or towards Bamako, severely disrupting supplies.
Security experts say the blockade forms part of an effort by jihadist groups to weaken the military-led government by choking off economic activity.
The impact is being felt acutely in the capital, where several fuel stations have run dry and closed. With transport limited, many residents are walking, searching for motorcycle taxis, or staying home due to the scarcity of fuel.
The school shutdown came days after Russia announced it would send between 160,000 and 200,000 metric tonnes of petroleum and agricultural products to Mali in support of the country. However, the head of the Russian delegation, Alexey Keulika, did not clarify the nature of the petroleum products or the expected delivery dates.
Keulika also said a board meeting in November would discuss progress on a Russian-backed gold refinery currently being built in Mali.
This latest disruption to education follows last year’s delay to the academic calendar, which was caused by severe flooding.
