By Nur Asena Erturk
ANKARA (AA) – A French shipping and logistics company has announced the suspension of operations in Mali over security concerns stemming from roadblocks imposed by an armed group, exacerbating the woes of local people, particularly in the capital, Bamako.
“We inform you that road transportation for cargo destined for Mali via all ports of discharge, including the Abidjan, Dakar, Tema and Conakry corridors, is temporarily suspended until further notice,” the CMA CGM said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that it will not resume operations “until the situation is resolved.”
Local media outlets reported that this move, which affects transportation routes critical to the economy of a landlocked West African country, could exacerbate the situation amid terrorist attacks on Malian army positions claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM.
The Stockholm-based, independent analysis company African Security Analysis (ASA) reported Wednesday that "there is no current indication of systematic urban penetration capable of seizure of the capital," despite international media reports of "imminent collapse."
However, ASA added, fuel shortages "remain severe" in the country's other big cities, such as Segou, Mopti, and Sikasso.
The siege of Bamako since September and multiple attacks on fuel tankers have led to empty gas stations and closed schools across the country.
JNIM began to retaliate after the Malian authorities decided to ban the sale of fuel outside of stations in rural areas, aiming to cut off those groups’ supply chains, according to media reports.
The group wants to paralyze Bamako, put pressure on the Malian government, and seize control of the country, which has been ruled by the military since two coups in 2020 and 2021.
The country’s military leadership severed security ties with its longtime partner and former colonial power, France, and sought closer cooperation with Russia after the coups.
Since 2012, Mali has been plunged into a political and security crisis, fueled by attacks by a number of armed groups, as well as clashes with separatist forces in the country’s north.