Terrorists Burn 41 Fuel Tankers Near Mali-Côte d’Ivoire Border, Killing Four Drivers

Bamako - October 18, 2025 - Terrorist attacks on fuel convoys continue to cripple Mali’s energy supply, with 41 tanker trucks burned near the border with Côte d’Ivoire on Friday, October 17. The assault left four drivers dead, trapped and burned inside their vehicles.

Since early September, armed groups have imposed a hydrocarbon blockade, making it nearly impossible for tankers transporting fuel from neighboring ports to reach Malian cities without military escorts. Despite air and ground operations by the Malian Armed Forces, terrorist groups continue to disrupt deliveries, exacerbating an already critical fuel shortage nationwide.

The targeted convoy, carrying a full load of fuel, was split in two by the attackers, who then set the tankers ablaze. The attack comes amid widespread disruptions: interurban transport has slowed, while cities including Bamako, Mopti, and San are facing electricity outages due to the lack of diesel.

In Bamako, the few gas stations with remaining fuel are overrun by crowds, highlighting growing public frustration. Authorities warn that the fuel crisis, now entering its second month, poses serious risks to both security and daily life across Mali.