Russia Assists Mali in Combating Fuel Shortages Amid Jihadist Attacks

Mali, November 20, 2025 - In a press briefing on November 20, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova detailed the involvement of the Russian Army Corps for Africa in Mali’s ongoing fuel crisis. According to Zakharova, the crisis began in mid-September, triggered by systematic attacks on fuel convoys by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, targeting shipments primarily from Senegal and the Ivory Coast to Bamako and other regions.

Zakharova described the spread of disinformation by jihadist groups, exaggerating the severity of the fuel blockade and the Malian authorities’ inability to respond, with the explicit goal of sowing discontent and pressuring the transitional government.

At the request of the Malian authorities, the Russian Army Corps for Africa has been actively deployed on the ground, providing checkpoint security, convoy escorts, air support, and search operations. Zakharova reported that jihadist fighters are incurring heavy losses and that recent days have seen a reduction in the severity of the fuel shortage.

Russia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Malian people, aiming to help them overcome current challenges and move toward sustainable, self-reliant development.