Mali Shuts Schools Amid Fuel Blockade Crisis

Mali has been forced to suspend school and university classes nationwide for two weeks starting Monday, due to a critical fuel shortage. This crisis follows a blockade imposed by al Qaeda-linked insurgents, who have been targeting fuel convoys attempting to access the landlocked West African nation.

This fuel blockade is seen as a tactic by the militants to pressure Mali's military-led regime by cutting off its economic lifelines. Fuel scarcity has resulted in the closure of some fuel stations in Bamako, prompting residents to resort to alternative transport methods or remain indoors.

Amid the tension, Russia recently announced plans to send between 160,000 and 200,000 metric tons of petroleum and farm supplies to Mali, though details remain sparse. Additionally, construction on a Russia-backed gold refinery is progressing, with a board meeting slated for next month.