Bamako, the bustling capital of Mali and a vital hub for West Africa, is currently experiencing a partial blockade imposed by Islamist militants. This development comes just days after the nation's defense minister was assassinated in the city. The situation has left many residents in distress, with some unable to return home after traveling outside the capital.
A mother of two, who found herself stranded on the Bamako-Kéniéba highway after visiting her parents, expressed her fear to the BBC: "Our army isn't capable of protecting us, how are we going to get back home?" She, along with numerous other individuals, had been stuck on this major route for nearly a day. The blockade follows a warning issued by fighters from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Islamist group, stating that "no-one will be allowed in any more."
Last year, JNIM had previously imposed a fuel blockade on Bamako, leading to shortages and significant price increases. However, the current order is for a total blockade, intensifying concerns among the city's population of over three million people. Eyewitnesses have reported to the BBC that at least three of the six primary routes into Bamako are being closed for extended periods before the militants shift their position. During these lulls, some vehicles are able to proceed slowly through the checkpoints.
The tightened security measures and blockade occur in the wake of coordinated, nationwide attacks launched last weekend by an alliance of jihadists and separatist rebels from the north, known as the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). These groups are aiming to destabilize and overthrow the military regime led by General Assimi Goïta, who came to power through a coup in 2020. The defense minister, Sadio Camara, was killed during these attacks in what appeared to be a suicide truck bombing targeting his residence near Bamako.
Minister Camara was laid to rest on Thursday under heavy security, with thousands in attendance, including General Goïta, according to AFP news agency reports. Mali's military has been collaborating with the Russian paramilitary group, Africa Corps, which emerged from the Wagner Group, in their efforts to combat the growing insurgency. However, in the face of the recent attacks, Russian forces were compelled to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, which has since fallen under FLA control.
The FLA has declared its intention to advance on other cities in the north and has demanded the complete withdrawal of the Africa Corps from Mali. In response, a Kremlin spokesperson affirmed on Thursday that Russian forces would remain in the country "to combat extremism, terrorism and other harmful phenomena and will continue to provide assistance to the current government."
One lorry driver attempting to reach Bamako shared his harrowing experience with the BBC: "I've never seen something like this before. I've been doing this job for so many years. I'm stuck here and it sounds dangerous. I would rather run away to save my life than fight for the goods I have to deliver. I've never thought like this before."
The blockade extends beyond Bamako. The town of Ségou, located less than 50 miles from the capital, is also under a total blockade, leaving hundreds of vehicles, including trucks, buses, and cars, stranded. Passengers, comprising families and traders, have been stuck for days, facing difficulties in accessing essential resources like water and food, as reported by a local correspondent.
Following an emergency security council meeting on Wednesday, junta leader Goïta reportedly vowed to take decisive action against the insurgents. State media also reported that Goïta claimed Malian armed and security forces had inflicted "heavy losses" on the rebel groups. However, analysts suggest a different narrative.
Alain Antil, director of the Sub-Saharan Africa Centre at the French foreign affairs think-tank Ifri, commented on the situation, stating that "those moves show that the regime is weak and can't restore security." He recalled a similar situation in 2013 when an alliance of jihadists and ethnic Tuareg separatists advanced on Bamako. At that time, French forces, supported by other African nations, intervened and successfully pushed back the insurgents, though the country remained unstable with continued attacks.
After seizing power, General Goïta expelled French forces and sought support from Russia. Despite this shift in alliances, the security situation in Mali has not improved, culminating in the recent coordinated attacks. In light of the escalating instability, several countries, including France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have advised their citizens to leave Mali, while the U.S. recommends that its citizens remain at home.
Despite the advisories, some foreign nationals have expressed their commitment to staying in Mali. One Frenchwoman told the BBC, "I won't leave. I love Mali. It has become a part of me since I came here in 2002. We'll stay with my family. We know things will be OK."
