NEWS & POLITICS
Mali suffers acute fuel shortages amid militant blockade
An acute fuel shortage has hit Mali's capital, Bamako, as endless lines stretched before nearly all gas stations. This shortage is a result of the militia blockade on fuel imports, which began in early September
Staff Writer 
Mali, Bamako– Oct 10 (Running Africa) - Militants from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al Qaeda-linked group, have been attacking fuel tankers, primarily those coming from neighboring Senegal and Ivory Coast, effectively choking supply routes and leading to a massive shortage in the West African nation.
The blockade has sealed off access to towns like Bamako, Nioro, and Kayes, intensifying the nation's ongoing battle with insecurity. JNIM has mainly targeted the country's military bases and dozens of villages, especially in the vast north where the government's control has been minimal.
According to Radio France International (RFI), the coup-led nation has begun negotiations with the military group to bring an end to the embargo and restore safe fuel supply to the affected towns. RFI reports further suggest that at least ten channels of negotiations have been opened, but the JNIM has been demanding a single official negotiation channel with the Malian Junta.
Meanwhile, unofficial sources say that the Jihadist group has been demanding the release of their fighters, captured by Malian troops during attacks on military camps, especially those in the north.
The authorities have now resorted to escorting oil tankers, with the last convoy reaching Bamako on October 7.
