1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
IranUkraineGerman politics
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV
SocietyMali

Mali turns to Russia as jihadists choke fuel supply

Michael Oti
November 13, 2025

A jihadist fuel blockade has crippled Mali's capital, leaving behind burned tankers, empty pumps, soaring prices and even school closures. Now Bamako is calling Moscow for help.

https://p.dw.com/p/53Zxt

Mali’s economy is suffocating. For over two months, al-Qaeda-linked militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin—JNIM—have been ambushing fuel convoys on highways from Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire, torching more than 100 tankers and killing drivers.
 
Why are the jihadists doing this? When Mali's junta seized power five years ago, it pledged to end the Islamist extremist insurgency. With such a move, JNIM aims to destabilize Mali's government.
 

DW's Editor Michael Oti
Michael Oti Author, Presenter and Editor at DW's Programs for Africa
Skip next section Explore more

Explore more

Mali's president Goita walks on a red carpet at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Mali's junta tightens grip after five years of military rule

Mali's junta tightens grip after five years of military rule

When General Assimi Goita seized power in 2020, many hoped it would bring positive change to Mali, a country grappling with jihadist attacks and an economic crisis. What has actually happened in the past five years?
PoliticsJune 17, 2025
A photo of Salif Keita with sunglasses on.

Mali's junta gains musical ally, as critics raise alarm

Mali's junta gains musical ally, as critics raise alarm

Renowned Malian musician Salif Keita has openly endorsed the country's military junta. Meanwhile, critics have cited growing human rights concerns.
PoliticsNovember 20, 2024
A member of the Malian special forces stands guard

Mali: Is Kidal's recapture a step toward peace?

Mali: Is Kidal's recapture a step toward peace?

Mali's military has taken the northern town of Kidal from rebel groups. But experts fear that possible fresh attacks might jeopardize lasting peace.
ConflictsNovember 17, 2023
Skip next section More on Society from Africa

More on Society from Africa

The hands of Lenah Kanywa holding photographs of her daughter Mary Wambui who was murdered.

Raising awareness about femicide in Kenya

In Kenya, the number of women killed each year has been rising, but femicide is not even a legal term.
SocietyMarch 3, 202603:46 min
A woman prepares a makeshift structure on a boat during the demolition of houses in Makoko

Demolitions in Nigeria's Lagos leave thousands homeless

Thousands of people have been displaced after their homes were deemed unsafe and demolished by government authorities.
SocietyJanuary 29, 202603:25 min
sign reads "Dzaleka Refugee Camp," with flags of Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Japan

Malawi offers psychosocial support to refugees in camps

Community-based organizations support the recovery of the over 60,000 refugees living in Malawi’s Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
SocietyJanuary 28, 202602:40 min
Show more
Skip next section More on Society from around the world

More on Society from around the world

A cat walks in front of an empty bench in a square in Spain.

A tiny Spanish village fighting depopulation

The village of Arenillas in northwestern Spain is so desperate for a craftsperson that the job comes with free housing.
SocietyApril 7, 202602:02 min
A person wearing glasses holds up a handful of a local currency. His hand is highlighted with a pink circle, and the title: "better than €?"

Inside the German town where people print their own money

This Bavarian town pays you to go green — with its own money. Does it work?
SocietyApril 3, 202608:23 min
Several men and women wearning high-visibility vests standing at a street corner in London

How safe is London really?

Right‑wing populists depict London as violent but a nighttime tour questions if those alarmist claims reflect reality.
SocietyApril 3, 202604:58 min
Show more