Mali – Mali announced the nationwide closure of its schools and universities effective Monday, October 26, 2025, due to a severe fuel shortage caused by the siege of the capital, Bamako, by jihadist militants who have prevented fuel imports from neighboring countries. Long queues outside gas stations are a common occurrence in Mali.
Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane told national television that classes would be suspended for two weeks “due to a fuel supply disruption that is affecting staff movement in schools.” He explained that authorities were making every effort to restore supplies before the scheduled resumption of classes on November 10 in Mali.
The blockade, imposed by the al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) since September, has further strained Mali’s fragile economy. Hundreds of fuel trucks have been stuck at the border, long queues outside gas stations in the capital, and rising prices for essential goods and transportation.
The Malian army attempted to escort some trucks from the border areas to Bamako, while others were attacked by armed groups. This crisis comes within a broader context of armed conflicts in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where tensions have escalated following recent military coups and the rapprochement of some new governments with Russia via the Africa Corps. Mali is making strenuous efforts to find solutions.
