US diplomat Christopher Landau recently met with Mali’s foreign minister to discuss regional security, affirming Washington’s support for Mali’s fight against Islamist militants. This dialogue comes as Mali’s capital, Bamako, faces a severe fuel blockade imposed by the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). For two months, these insurgents have attacked fuel convoys, effectively paralyzing the city and putting immense pressure on the military government. While analysts doubt JNIM currently has the means to seize the capital, their increasing control in surrounding areas—where they enforce strict rules like mandatory hijabs for women using public transport—raises serious concern. In response to the growing danger, the US State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from the country.
CNBC Africa
