Al Qaeda-Linked Jihadists' Fuel Blockade Paralyzes Mali's Capital, Heightens Coup Risk

A two-month fuel blockade orchestrated by the al Qaeda-linked militant group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has severely disrupted life in Mali's capital, Bamako, paralyzing transportation, industry, and essential services. This blockade has intensified economic hardships, leading to school closures and widespread shortages that exacerbate inflation and unemployment. Analysts warn the strategy aims to destabilize Mali's military government, possibly triggering another coup to weaken state control and bolster JNIM's political leverage. Despite military promises to combat jihadists, violence has escalated, spreading from northern to southern Mali, with JNIM expanding control and challenging state authority. The crisis has regional implications, prompting foreign governments to urge their citizens to evacuate due to growing instability. Efforts to resolve the fuel shortage face obstacles from border closures, security tensions, and logistical challenges, while the government seeks alternative supply routes to mitigate the blockade's impact.