Niger’s transport ministry has imposed severe sanctions on transport operators and drivers who refused to deliver critical fuel shipments to neighboring Mali, where jihadist attacks have created a dangerous blockade. The ministry revoked licenses of 14 transport companies and 19 drivers, citing “serious violation of legal and regulatory obligations” in an official statement from Transport Minister Abdourahamane Amadou dated January 6th. An additional operator received a one-year suspension.
The sanctions come as Mali faces an escalating energy crisis precipitated by al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which imposed a fuel blockade in September and has systematically attacked petrol tankers on major highways. The militant group has expanded its years-long insurgency to include economic warfare, kidnapping drivers and burning lorries traversing the dangerous routes.
Despite both nations being governed by military juntas facing similar jihadist threats, the 1,400-kilometer supply route from oil-producing Niger to landlocked Mali remains extremely perilous. Even military-escorted convoys have faced attacks. Last November, Niger successfully delivered 82 fuel tankers that temporarily stabilized Mali’s energy supply, but subsequent shipments were disrupted by transport refusals.
The fuel shortage has created widespread consequences across Mali, forcing temporary closures of schools and universities and prompting international travel warnings from both the United States and France. Mali’s military government under General Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a 2020 coup, has hired Russian mercenaries to address security concerns after the departure of UN peacekeeping missions and French forces. Large portions of the country remain outside government control despite these measures.