Bamako: Since September, blockades have been multiplying across Mali, carried out by jihadists from the JNIM, the al Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims. The jihadists are imposing a fuel blockade that has paralysed the landlocked Sahel country’s economy. The resulting unrest and violence have sent refugees fleeing westwards into Mauritania.

According to France24.com, the situation has severely affected daily life in Mali, with critical shortages in fuel impacting transportation and the delivery of essential goods. The economic paralysis has also led to heightened security concerns as jihadists continue to exert influence over affected regions.

Oluwole Ojewale, co-ordinator for West and Central Africa at the Institute for Security Studies, has highlighted that the ongoing blockades and violence are causing significant turmoil. The international community is being urged to address the crisis as the humanitarian and security situation continues to deteriorate, with thousands of displaced individuals seeking refuge in neighboring countries.