Fuel Shortage Forces Universities in Mali to Suspend Classes

Bamako -, October 25, 2025 - The ongoing fuel crisis in Mali has begun to paralyze the country’s education system, with several universities announcing the suspension of classes due to transportation difficulties.

Between Wednesday and Friday, at least three private universities declared a one-month suspension of academic activities, citing the inability of both students and professors to commute amid severe fuel shortages. The measure, they say, is temporary but necessary as campuses struggle to operate without reliable transportation or electricity.

“The situation has become untenable,” said one university administrator. “Our staff and students simply cannot reach the university. We hope this pause will allow time for the crisis to be resolved.”

The shutdowns in the private sector may soon extend to public universities, as calls for a nationwide suspension of classes continue to gain traction on social media and in local media outlets.

According to sources close to the Ministry of National Education, officials are considering a similar move, with an announcement expected later this week if fuel supplies do not improve.

The decision underscores the widening impact of the fuel crisis, which has already crippled transportation, markets, and basic services across the country, threatening to bring Mali’s education calendar to a halt.

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