Mali travel disruptions caused by road blockades to Bamako

Travelers in Mali are facing severe disruptions due to road blockades leading to Bamako, enforced by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) following attacks on April 25 that targeted multiple regions. The militant group set fire to dozens of transport and cargo vehicles heading toward the capital last week, while some transport companies continue operating despite the risks, others have suspended services entirely.

Extended journeys and canceled trips

Our visit to a renowned transport company in Bamako, which serves several neighboring countries, coincided with the arrival of a bus from Mauritania that departed from Nouakchott last week. The journey, typically four days, was shared by a Malian migrant we’ll call Mody for security reasons. He was traveling to celebrate Eid al-Kebir, scheduled for May 27.

Mody recounted his experience: « We left Nouakchott last Thursday at 7 a.m. and arrived in Gogui, near the border, at 11 p.m. The drivers warned us that the route was dangerous. We spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights there. On Sunday morning, we were told a Malian army convoy would escort us. After a long wait, we finally left without military protection to reach Diéma in Mali. There, we learned that earlier buses had all turned back due to orders from JNIM jihadists. »

A company representative confirmed that around ten of their buses are currently stranded in neighboring countries, and two were set ablaze over the weekend on national roads.

One week of waiting

In the same area, at a company connecting Bamako to several Malian towns including Ségou in central Mali, passengers have been waiting nearly a week for tickets. Seyba, a 60-year-old from Ségou, explained: « I need to return to Ségou, but no buses are available right now. I came to offer my condolences to a bereaved family, but the road is deemed too dangerous. I’ve checked four other companies—same situation. If I can’t find a vehicle, I’ll stay with relatives in Bamako. »

The company manager, speaking off the record, revealed losing five buses to arson last Saturday, torched by JNIM militants enforcing their blockade on Bamako. The company has since suspended all departures and arrivals to and from the capital.