Niger revokes licences of tanker drivers who refuse to go Mali amid jihadist blockade

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 13, 2026 at 11:24 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Niger has revoked the licenses of several transport operators and drivers for refusing to deliver fuel to Mali, which is facing a jihadist blockade. An al-Qaeda affiliate, JNIM, imposed the blockade in September, attacking fuel tankers and causing severe fuel scarcity in the landlocked country. Mali relies on fuel imports, including a deal with Niger for 85 million liters over six months. Despite military escorts, convoys from Niger have faced attacks, leading to drivers refusing to make deliveries. Niger's transport ministry revoked the licenses of 14 operators and 19 drivers for violating transport obligations. The fuel shortage has caused concern, with the US and France issuing travel advisories for Mali.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Senegal 30% Ivory Coast 30% United States 40% France 40% Assimi Goïta 50% Abdourahamane Amadou 50% al-Qaeda 60% Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) ×280% Mali ×990% Niger ×890%

Keywords

fuel blockade 90% mali 90% niger 80% jihadist attacks 80% transport operators 70% fuel supply 70% jnim 60% licence revocation 60% military junta 50% economic warfare 50%