JNIM Announces Second Phase of Bamako Fuel BlockadeNovember 18, 2025

Bamako, Mali - The jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) announced the second phase of its blockade of Mali’s capital through a series of videos released on November 18. In the videos, spokesman Abou Houzeyfa (aka Bina Diarra) declared that all tanker truck drivers transporting fuel to Bamako would henceforth be treated as combatants, effectively ending the concept of civilian hostages in the logistics chain.

Diarra also threatened the NDC, Mali’s main fuel supplier, urging it to halt all fuel deliveries to the capital. He called on Bamako residents to “repent” and close nightclubs, framing the measure as a moral as well as logistical enforcement.

The spokesman claimed that Mali’s government has failed to protect its own citizens, particularly prisoners, while remaining open to dialogue for the release of foreign hostages. He criticized policies that involve civilians in military operations, describing them as abhorrent, and called out authorities for inconsistently applying fuel restrictions across the country.

According to JNIM, officials and local prefects have already banned gasoline sales in several villages and closed gas stations, with motorcycle traffic prohibited in many areas despite the population’s reliance on it. Diarra urged that similar measures be applied to Bamako, placing the capital on the same restricted footing as other affected regions.

The announcement signals an escalation in economic warfare, highlighting JNIM’s strategy to pressure the Malian transitional government while asserting control over essential supplies.