Mali travel disruptions as jihadists block roads to Bamako

The ongoing blockade of key roads leading to Bamako, orchestrated by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) following attacks on April 25, has left travelers and transporters stranded across Mali.

Last week, militants set fire to dozens of passenger and cargo vehicles en route to the capital. While some transport companies continue operating within the country, others have suspended services entirely due to safety concerns.

Extended travel times and canceled routes

At a major transport hub in Bamako, a bus arriving from Nouakchott after a four-day journey illustrates the severity of the situation. Mody, a Malian traveler using a pseudonym for security reasons, explains how the trip was delayed by roadblocks and canceled convoys.

« We left Nouakchott last Thursday at 7 AM and arrived in Gogui at the border by 11 PM, » he recounts. « Drivers warned us the route was too risky, so we spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights waiting. Sunday morning, we were told a Malian military convoy would escort us. After hours of waiting, we proceeded without the convoy to Diéma, only to learn that earlier buses had been forced to turn back under orders from JNIM militants. »

A company spokesperson confirmed that nearly a dozen buses remain stranded in neighboring countries, with two vehicles set ablaze on national roads over the weekend.

Passengers stranded for a week

In another area, passengers bound for Ségou have been waiting for tickets for nearly a week. Seyba, a 60-year-old traveler from the Ségou region, shares his ordeal:

« I came to Bamako to pay my respects after a family loss, but all transport companies say routes are unsafe. I’ve checked four different companies—no buses available. If I can’t find a ride to Ségou, I’ll have to stay with relatives in Bamako. »

The company manager, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that five buses were burned by JNIM militants last Saturday as part of their blockade strategy. As a precaution, the company has temporarily halted all trips to and from Bamako.

Impact on regional travel

The blockade has disrupted not only domestic travel but also routes connecting Mali to neighboring nations. Transport operators face mounting financial losses while travelers endure extended delays, cancellations, and safety risks. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight.