By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Mali has received a much-needed consignment of fuel from neighbouring Niger, offering temporary relief amid one of the country’s worst supply crises in years.
The convoy, made up of 82 petrol tankers, arrived in Bamako over the weekend after a gruelling 21-day journey from Niamey. The trucks travelled more than 1,400 kilometres through areas plagued by insecurity, where repeated attacks by jihadist militants have made fuel transportation extremely risky.
Mali has faced a crippling fuel blockade for over two months, imposed by al-Qaeda-linked fighters who have targeted and disrupted multiple convoys since September. The shortages have slowed economic activity in Bamako, strained transport services, and increased pressure on the ruling military authorities.
In response to the worsening situation, Russia has pledged to supply Mali with between 160,000 and 200,000 metric tonnes of petroleum and agricultural products. Its Africa Corps has also reportedly provided armed escorts to help protect fuel convoys from hijacking along vulnerable routes.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, three countries confronting long-running jihadist insurgencies, formed the Alliance of Sahel States last year.
The bloc has cut military and political ties with former colonial power France, withdrawn from ECOWAS, and strengthened cooperation with Russia in their fight against armed groups operating across the region.
