African Union Calls for Urgent Action in Insurgency-Hit Mali
The African Union has called for an international response to address security issues in Mali, where insurgents have imposed a fuel blockade and kidnapped foreigners.
Bamako, November 10, 2025: The African Union (AU) has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Mali.
Insurgents have blocked fuel imports since September, attacking tanker convoys and creating a significant shortage that has forced schools and businesses to close.
This crisis has exacerbated humanitarian conditions for civilians.
The Al Qaeda-linked group, Jama'at Nusrat Al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), is responsible for imposing these blockades and disrupting access to essential supplies.
JNIM has also been known to target foreign nationals for kidnapping, aiming to finance its operations in West Africa.
In October, a ransom of approximately $50 million was reportedly paid for the release of two UAE citizens who were kidnapped by the group.
In response to these developments, the AU Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for enhanced cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and sustained support for countries in the Sahel region affected by violent extremism.
He also urged the immediate release of three Egyptian nationals who were recently kidnapped.
The international community, including the US, France, Britain, and Italy, has advised their citizens to leave Mali due to these security concerns.
Despite the ongoing crisis, schools in the capital Bamako reopened on Monday after a two-week suspension due to the fuel shortage.
This development suggests that efforts are being made to mitigate some of the impacts of the blockade.
However, the situation remains precarious and requires urgent international attention.
Insurgents have blocked fuel imports since September, attacking tanker convoys and creating a significant shortage that has forced schools and businesses to close.
This crisis has exacerbated humanitarian conditions for civilians.
The Al Qaeda-linked group, Jama'at Nusrat Al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), is responsible for imposing these blockades and disrupting access to essential supplies.
JNIM has also been known to target foreign nationals for kidnapping, aiming to finance its operations in West Africa.
In October, a ransom of approximately $50 million was reportedly paid for the release of two UAE citizens who were kidnapped by the group.
In response to these developments, the AU Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for enhanced cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and sustained support for countries in the Sahel region affected by violent extremism.
He also urged the immediate release of three Egyptian nationals who were recently kidnapped.
The international community, including the US, France, Britain, and Italy, has advised their citizens to leave Mali due to these security concerns.
Despite the ongoing crisis, schools in the capital Bamako reopened on Monday after a two-week suspension due to the fuel shortage.
This development suggests that efforts are being made to mitigate some of the impacts of the blockade.
However, the situation remains precarious and requires urgent international attention.
