Bamako — Mali’s capital, a key West African hub with a population exceeding three million, is facing a growing crisis as Islamist militants impose a tightening blockade on the city, leaving residents and travelers stranded and fearful.
The restrictions come just days after the assassination of Mali’s defence minister, further heightening instability in the country.
Civilians attempting to enter or leave Bamako have been caught in the disruption. A mother of two, speaking to the BBC, described her ordeal after being unable to return home following a visit outside the city. “Our army isn’t capable of protecting us — how are we going to get back home?” she said.
Many travelers have been stuck for nearly a day along the Bamako–Kéniéba highway, one of the capital’s main routes. The situation escalated after fighters from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) warned that no one would be allowed into the city.
Eyewitnesses report that at least three of the six main roads into Bamako are intermittently blocked, with militants closing routes for hours before moving positions. During brief gaps, some vehicles manage to pass through.
The blockade follows a broader escalation of violence. Last weekend, coordinated nationwide attacks were launched by an alliance of jihadist groups and separatist rebels, including the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which aims to overthrow the military government led by Assimi Goïta.
Mali’s armed forces have been working alongside the Russian paramilitary Africa Corps, which emerged from the Wagner Group. However, the alliance has faced setbacks, including a withdrawal from the northern city of Kidal, now under rebel control.
The FLA has since vowed to expand its offensive and has demanded the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Mali. Despite this, the Kremlin has stated its troops will remain in the country to combat extremism and support the government.
The crisis has also spread beyond the রাজধানী. A total blockade has been reported in Ségou, located less than 80 kilometers from Bamako, where hundreds of vehicles — including trucks, buses, and private cars — remain stranded. Passengers are reportedly struggling to access food and water.
Truck drivers and traders caught in the الأزمة describe growing fear. “I’ve never seen something like this before,” one driver said. “I’d rather run away to save my life than risk everything for the goods I’m carrying.”
Following an emergency security meeting, Goïta pledged decisive action against insurgents, claiming government forces had inflicted “heavy losses” on rebel groups. However, analysts remain skeptical. According to regional experts, the situation highlights the government’s limited ability to restore security.
The current turmoil echoes the 2013 crisis, when jihadist and Tuareg separatist forces advanced toward Bamako before being pushed back by French and African troops. Since then, instability has persisted.
Several countries, including France, Canada, and United Kingdom, have advised their citizens to leave Mali, while the United States has urged its nationals to remain indoors.
Despite the uncertainty, some residents remain determined to stay. “I won’t leave — I love Mali,” one French national said. “It has become a part of me.”