A severe fuel shortage caused by a blockade imposed by Islamist insurgents has led to the closure of schools and universities in Mali. The government suspended all education institutions nationwide until November 9, citing the impact on staff and student movement due to the blockade. The crisis began weeks ago when militants from an al-Qaeda affiliate attacked tankers on major highways, disrupting fuel supplies. Long queues have been reported at petrol stations in Bamako, and the city’s streets are now quieter than usual. This is the latest development in a long-running security crisis in Mali, where a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta has struggled to address the issue. The UN peacekeeping mission and French forces withdrew from the country after the junta took power in 2021.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2w0zpew0ko