Niger has taken decisive action against dozens of transport operators and truck drivers who refused to deliver fuel to neighboring Mali, where shortages have intensified under a jihadist blockade. The Ministry of Transport revoked the licenses of 14 carriers and 19 drivers, while another operator received a one‑year suspension. Authorities described the refusals as a serious breach of legal obligations at a moment of regional crisis.

Mali, ruled by a military junta and allied with Niger and Burkina Faso through the Alliance of Sahel States, has faced escalating jihadist attacks. In October and November, militants from the Al‑Qaeda‑linked JNIM cut off fuel routes to several towns, triggering severe shortages. To ease the crisis, Niger planned to send 82 fuel tankers to Bamako under military escort along the 1,400‑kilometer route.
Despite these efforts, fuel disruptions persist in Mali, with shortages now affecting Bamako airport and forcing flight cancellations.

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