The Fuel Blockade of Bamako: A Symptom of a Deeper Crisis in Mali The recent spate of vehicle burnings near Bamako, the capital of Mali, has drawn attention to the ongoing fuel blockade imposed by the jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM).
The blockade, now in its second year, was tightened after last month's attack on the city, causing shortages and sharp price increases ahead of the Islamic holiday of Eid al Adha.
The blockade is more than a tactical move by JNIM to disrupt the economy and weaken the government.