Niger Revokes Licenses of Truckers Refusing to Deliver Fuel to Mali. Niamey, Niger — Niger’s Ministry of Transport has revoked the licenses of approximately thirty transport operators and truck drivers for refusing to transport fuel to neighboring Mali.
The action was taken in response to the refusal of these operators to comply with the request to deliver fuel to Mali, which is facing shortages due to a jihadist blockade.
Mali has been experiencing fuel shortages since October and November 2025, following a blockade imposed by the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate. This group has cut off fuel supplies to several towns in Mali, a landlocked country that heavily relies on fuel imports.
The fuel convoys transporting fuel from Niger to Mali have faced attacks by jihadists.
Niger, an oil — producing country, had planned to send 82 fuel tankers to Bamako, the Malian capital, covering the 1,400-kilometer journey under military escort.
However, the drivers and operators have reportedly refused to proceed, citing security concerns.
According to a statement seen by reports on Monday, Niger’s Transport Minister Abdourahamane Amadou declared, “This refusal constitutes a serious violation of the legal and regulatory obligations in force.”.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which are all under military rule, have formed the Alliance of Sahel States. This alliance has announced the creation of a 5,000-strong joint force, and their armies are jointly conducting operations against jihadists.
The fuel supply problems are once again affecting some regions of Mali, including Bamako airport, where several flights have been canceled in recent days.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by the Sahel region in the face of escalating jihadist activity, which is impacting the transportation of essential goods like fuel. Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
