Mali travel disruptions: roads blocked and stranded passengers
In Mali, travelers are facing severe disruptions due to the blockade of key routes leading to Bamako, enforced by the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) following deadly attacks on April 25 across multiple regions.
The extremist group has targeted transport vehicles, with several buses and goods carriers set ablaze in recent days. While some transport companies persist in operating, others have suspended services entirely, leaving passengers stranded and supply chains disrupted.
Extended delays and canceled trips
On May 11, our team visited a prominent Bamako-based transport company serving routes across West Africa. One of their buses arriving from Mauritania, having departed Nouakchott a week earlier, had completed a grueling four-day journey.
Mody, a Malian migrant traveling under a pseudonym for safety, shared his harrowing experience:
« We left Nouakchott last Thursday at 7 AM and arrived at Gogui, the border crossing, by 11 PM. The drivers informed us the route was too dangerous, so we spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights waiting. On Sunday, we were told a Malian military convoy would escort us. After a long wait, we finally moved without the military escort toward Diéma. It was there we learned the first buses ahead of us had all turned back on orders from JNIM jihadists. »
A company spokesperson confirmed that at least ten buses remain stranded in neighboring countries, with two vehicles burned on national roads over the weekend.
Passengers stranded for over a week
In another sector, a Bamako-based company connecting the capital to central regions like Ségou is facing severe delays. Some passengers have been waiting nearly a week for available seats.
Seyba, a 60-year-old traveler from Ségou, explained:
« I need to return home to Ségou, but no buses are available. I came to offer condolences after a family death, and now I’m told the roads are unsafe. I’ve checked four other companies—same situation. If I don’t find transport, I’ll stay with relatives in Bamako until conditions improve. »
The company owner, speaking anonymously, revealed that five of their buses were torched by JNIM militants last Saturday. As a precaution, the company has temporarily halted all routes to and from Bamako.
