Mali Secures Waiver of Port Penalties for Cargo at Dakar Port

Bamako, December 29, 2025 - The President of the Malian Shippers’ Council (CMC) has announced that a waiver of port penalties-including demurrage, warehousing, and container detention fees-has been granted to Malian importers and freight forwarders using the Autonomous Port of Dakar (Senegal).

According to the CMC, the measure was obtained from Senegalese port authorities following a ministerial mission to Senegal held from November 18 to 21, 2025, and is formalized under Note No. 002492-PAD dated November 25, 2025. The decision is part of ongoing efforts to support Malian shippers facing logistical and financial constraints.

As of December 22, 2025, significant progress has been made in clearing Malian cargo stored at DP World Dakar:

Initial stock (November 26, 2025): 2,086 containers

Remaining stock (December 22, 2025): 939 containers

The Malian Shippers’ Council has urged owners of the remaining goods to immediately proceed with their removal, noting that the list of concerned cargo is available at the CMC. The Council has also reaffirmed its readiness to assist importers and freight forwarders throughout the clearance process.

However, the CMC issued a firm warning, reiterating that the three-month deadline for cargo release-set to expire on February 20, 2026-is final and non-negotiable. No extension will be granted beyond this date, the statement emphasized.

The announcement, signed in Bamako on December 24, 2025, was officially published on December 29, 2025, with the Chairman of the Malian Shippers’ Council thanking stakeholders for their cooperation and understanding.