Mali Shuts Schools: Fuel Blockade Paralyses Country
- Mali's military government ordered a two-week closure of all schools adn universities, effective October 27, 2025.
- JNIM began blocking fuel imports into Mali in September 2025, targeting supply routes through neighboring countries.
- The blockade has led to soaring fuel prices and widespread shortages.
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Mali Shuts Schools as Fuel Blockade Deepens Crisis
What Happened?
Mali’s military government ordered a two-week closure of all schools adn universities, effective October 27, 2025. This decision stems from a severe fuel shortage caused by a blockade imposed by Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated armed group, beginning in September 2025. The blockade is substantially disrupting daily life and exacerbating existing economic challenges.
The Fuel Blockade: A Closer Look
JNIM began blocking fuel imports into Mali in September 2025, targeting supply routes through neighboring countries. The group claims this action is in response to the Malian government’s collaboration with foreign military forces, particularly France, and its perceived failure to address the needs of the population. Mali, a landlocked nation, relies heavily on imports for its fuel supply, making it particularly vulnerable to such disruptions.
The blockade has led to soaring fuel prices and widespread shortages. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, impacting food prices and the availability of essential goods. Hospitals and other critical infrastructure are struggling to maintain operations due to limited access to fuel for generators. The situation is particularly dire in remote areas.
| Fuel Type | Price Increase (September – October 2025) |
|---|---|
| Gasoline | +85% |
| Diesel | +92% |
| Kerosene | +78% |
Impact on Education and beyond
The closure of schools and universities affects an estimated 7.5 million students across all levels of education. This disruption will likely have long-term consequences for educational attainment and human capital growth. Online learning is not a viable option for many students due to limited internet access and lack of necessary equipment.
Beyond education, the fuel blockade is impacting several sectors:
- Healthcare: Hospitals struggle to power generators, jeopardizing patient care.
- Transportation: Reduced availability of public and private transport, hindering movement of people and goods.
- Agriculture: Difficulty in operating irrigation systems and transporting produce, threatening food security.
- Economy: Overall economic activity is slowing down, with businesses facing increased costs and reduced demand.
JNIM and the Security Context
Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) is a jihadist group operating primarily in the Sahel region of Africa.It is affiliated with al-Qaeda and has been responsible for numerous attacks in Mali and neighboring countries. The group’s motives are rooted in a desire to establish an Islamic state and oppose the presence of foreign military forces in