Mali has released more than a hundred suspected jihadists this week as part of a truce aimed at halting attacks on fuel convoys that have been crippling the country’s economy.
Security sources say the truce is expected to remain in effect until the Muslim festival of Tabaski, which falls at the end of May.
The attacks, carried out by the Al-Qaida-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), have blocked fuel deliveries to Bamako since September 2025, causing widespread shortages and pushing up prices in the capital.
Speaking on the development, political analyst Idrissa Keita said, “This truce offers a temporary relief for Mali’s economy, particularly for businesses and households struggling with fuel scarcity. However, the situation remains fragile, and authorities must continue to engage with local communities to prevent a resurgence of attacks.”
The government has welcomed the truce as an opportunity to stabilise the fuel supply chain, but observers warn that long-term security solutions will be crucial to ensure sustained economic recovery.
–ChannelAfrica–
