Mali's Capital Paralyzed by Fuel Blockade: Al-Qaeda Affiliate's Month-Long Attack on Tankers Brings Business to a Halt

Mali's Capital Paralyzed by Fuel Blockade as Militants Attack Tankers Bamako, Mali - A month-long fuel blockade imposed by militants from an al-Qaeda affiliate has brought business to a standstill in Mali's capital, Bamako. The blockade, which began when the militants attacked tankers on major highways, has resulted in long queues at petrol stations and forced some garages to shut down. The situation took a turn for the better on Tuesday when more than 300 petrol tankers arrived under army escort from Ivory Coast. However, the military government's assurance that this is only a temporary issue has done little to alleviate concerns about the new stock quickly running out. Motorbike taxi drivers, who rely heavily on fuel to operate their businesses, are among those most affected by the shortage. "Our business is at a standstill," said one driver, who wished to remain anonymous. "We can't even move our vehicles, let alone transport passengers." The blockade has also had a ripple effect on other cities and areas in Mali, where power cuts and fuel inflation have been ongoing for several weeks. In the central town of Mopti, vendors are struggling to keep their businesses afloat due to the lack of refrigeration for perishable goods. "My business is dying," said Aisha Traore, a vendor who sells fish at the local market. "I'm having to throw away more and more stock because I don't have enough fuel to power my refrigerator." Mali's landlocked position makes it vulnerable to disruptions in fuel supply chains. The country relies heavily on imports from neighboring countries, which are often subject to attacks by militant groups. The economic impact of the blockade is expected to be significant, with many businesses already reporting losses due to reduced productivity and increased costs. Analysts predict that the shortage will continue to affect the economy for weeks to come, unless a long-term solution can be found. In the meantime, residents are bracing themselves for further disruptions. "We're used to these kinds of shortages," said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "But it's getting harder and harder to cope." The military government has vowed to do everything in its power to restore fuel supplies to normal levels as soon as possible. However, the challenge ahead is clear: finding a way to secure the country's fuel supply chain without compromising national security. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain - Mali's economy will feel the effects of this blockade for weeks to come. *Reporting by Bbc.*