The recent blockade of key roads leading to Bamako has left travelers and transporters stranded in Mali. This situation stems from attacks carried out on April 25, prompting the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) to cut off major routes as a retaliatory measure.
devastating consequences for transport and commerce
Dozens of transport and goods vehicles heading toward the Malian capital were set ablaze last week by jihadist groups. While some transport companies continue operating within the country, many have suspended services entirely, leaving passengers with limited options.
longer journeys and canceled trips
On May 11, our team visited a reputable transport company in Bamako that serves multiple West African nations. One bus arriving from Mauritania had left Nouakchott the previous week—a journey that typically takes four days.
Mody, a Malian migrant traveling under a pseudonym for safety, shared his harrowing experience:
« We departed Nouakchott last Thursday at 7 a.m. and reached the border at Gogui by 11 p.m. The drivers warned us about the dangers ahead. We spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights there. On Sunday morning, we were told a Malian military convoy would escort us. After waiting, we finally left without military protection to reach Diéma. That’s when we learned that buses ahead of us had all turned back due to orders from JNIM jihadists. »
A company representative confirmed that ten buses remain stranded in neighboring countries, with two burned on national roads over the weekend.
passengers stranded for days
In another sector, passengers have been waiting nearly a week for available seats on buses traveling from Bamako to central cities like Ségou.
Seyba, a 60-year-old traveler from Ségou, explained:
« I came to Bamako to offer condolences after a family loss, but now I’m stuck. No buses are available. I checked four other companies—same situation. If I can’t find transport, I’ll stay with relatives in Bamako until the roads reopen. »
The company owner, speaking off the record, revealed that five buses were destroyed by JNIM militants last Saturday. As a precaution, the company has temporarily halted all routes to and from Bamako.
