In a stark reflection of the escalating fuel crisis gripping the West African nation, Mali’s government has announced the temporary closure of all schools and universities nationwide. The decision, effective from October 27 to November 9, 2025, comes as jihadist-imposed blockades continue to choke fuel supplies, disrupting daily life and essential services across the country.
This move highlights the severe impact of the ongoing shortages, which have left vehicles idle, businesses stalled, and now education on hold.
Mali has been battling a fuel blockade enforced by the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaida-affiliated militant group, since early September 2025. The insurgents have targeted fuel convoys, destroying dozens of tankers and halting imports from key ports in neighboring countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast.
By mid-October, over 300 tankers managed to reach Bamako under heavy military escort, providing temporary relief, but the situation has deteriorated again, leading to long queues at gas stations and black-market prices soaring.
The blockade has not only affected transportation but has also threatened critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, and food distribution. Hospitals in Bamako report dwindling generator fuel, while public transport has ground to a halt in many areas.
The Malian junta, which seized power in 2020 and has since strengthened ties with Russia amid a fallout with Western allies, has been negotiating with JNIM to lift the embargo, but talks have stalled.
School Closures: A Direct Consequence
Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane appeared on state television ORTM on October 26 to declare the two-week suspension, citing “disruptions in the supply of fuel which has affected the movement of school buses, teachers, and students.”
The closure affects millions of students from primary schools to universities, with classes set to resume on November 10, assuming fuel supplies stabilize.
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@BrantPhilip_ Another post lamented the broader implications: “The Malian state just announced the closure of all schools because too few citizens have fuel to drive anywhere. And recent JNIM blockades demonstrate that the state doesn’t control territory.”
@BridgesFromBKO, This is not the first time Mali’s education system has been disrupted; ongoing security challenges in the north and central regions have long forced intermittent closures. However, a nationwide shutdown tied to fuel scarcity marks a new low, raising concerns about long-term educational setbacks in a country where literacy rates hover around 35%.
Russian Intervention: A Lifeline in the Sky
Amid the crisis, Russia has stepped in with direct aid. On October 26, 2025, an Ilyushin Il-78 tanker plane landed in Bamako, delivering over 118,000 liters of fuel as part of an agreement between the two nations to bolster supplies.
The delivery follows promises from Moscow to support Mali’s military junta, which has increasingly relied on Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group (now rebranded as Africa Corps) for security operations against jihadists.While the aid provides immediate relief, its scale, equivalent to about 740 barrels pales in comparison to Mali’s daily consumption needs, estimated at tens of thousands of barrels. Earlier in October, neighboring Niger also sent 30 tankers of fuel to Gao in northern Mali as a gesture of solidarity within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
@cecild84, However, mixed signals persist. Some reports suggest Russia initially promised more substantial support but retracted commitments, exacerbating the decision to close schools.
@Gauthier_Pasq,Despite this, the plane’s arrival signals deepening Russo-Malian ties, a trend that has drawn international scrutiny amid accusations of human rights abuses by Russian forces in the region.
Broader Implications and Outlook
The fuel crisis exposes Mali’s vulnerabilities as a landlocked nation dependent on overland imports. The blockade has ripple effects beyond borders, with Guinea-Conakry reporting increased fuel smuggling due to the shortages.
@lekisaki, Economically, businesses in Bamako describe operations as “at a standstill,” with power outages and halted production lines.
Government officials remain optimistic, assuring citizens that the situation is “temporary” and that military escorts will secure future convoys.
@AESinfos, Yet, with JNIM controlling swathes of territory and no end to the blockade in sight, experts warn of potential humanitarian fallout if shortages persist.As Mali navigates this crisis, the school closures serve as a poignant reminder of how insecurity and resource scarcity intersect to undermine development. International partners, including the UN and ECOWAS, continue to monitor the situation, urging dialogue to restore stability in the Sahel. For now, Malians wait for fuel,and normalcy to return.
