The Take Why al-Qaeda’s Sahel branch is blocking fuel to Mali
Nov 11, 2025
Beverly Ochieng, a Senior analyst at Control Risks specializing in Sahel security, discusses the dire situation in Mali amid a blockade by al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM fighters. She highlights the blockade's severe impact on fuel supplies and daily life, leading to school closures and economic paralysis. Beverly examines the military government's challenges in addressing public fears, mixed blame for the crisis, and the nuanced responses from regional organizations. She also details JNIM's operations, funding methods, and ambitions beyond Mali, emphasizing the need for global attention on the escalating crisis.
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Supply Lines As Leverage
- Janim has blockaded Bamako by attacking fuel convoys and sealing key towns, targeting supply routes that sustain the capital.
- The blockade caused fuel shortages, soaring prices, power outages and disrupted schools and businesses across Mali.
Drivers Waiting At Burned Tanker Sites
- Reporters described burned oil tankers and long waits as drivers risked journeys into militant-held areas to find fuel.
- Transporters have sometimes paid fighters to move trucks while drivers faced months-long delays at improvised stops.
Narrative Control By The Junta
- The Malian junta has tightly controlled media narratives and emphasized military successes and limited fuel distributions to preserve legitimacy.
- Officials showcased fuel availability and airstrikes while restricting public reporting on hardships.