Mali travel disruptions due to road blockades around Bamako

Travelers in Mali are facing severe disruptions after armed groups imposed blockades on key highways leading to Bamako. The restrictions, enforced by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), followed coordinated attacks on April 25 that targeted multiple regions across the country.

In recent days, militants torched dozens of commercial and passenger vehicles attempting to reach the capital. While some transport companies continue operating with heightened security measures, many have suspended services entirely, leaving commuters stranded.

Extended delays and canceled routes

A transport company based in Bamako, which operates routes to neighboring countries, received a bus from Mauritania last week. The journey from Nouakchott typically takes four days, but passengers faced unexpected challenges along the way.

A Malian migrant, referred to as Mody for safety reasons, shared his experience: “We left Nouakchott last Thursday at 7 a.m. and arrived at the border crossing in Gogui by 11 p.m. The drivers warned us the route was unsafe. We ended up spending Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights there. Sunday morning, we were told a Malian military convoy would escort us. After waiting for hours, we departed without the convoy and reached Diéma in Mali. That’s when we learned earlier buses had all turned back under orders from JNIM militants.”

A company representative confirmed that about ten buses remain stranded in neighboring countries, with two set ablaze over the weekend on national roads.

One week of waiting for transport

In another transport hub linking Bamako to central regions like Ségou, passengers have been waiting nearly a week for available seats. Seyba, a 60-year-old traveler from Ségou, explained his situation: “I came to offer my condolences for a family member’s passing. Now I’m stuck trying to return home, but no buses are operating. I checked four different companies, and the story is the same. If I can’t find a vehicle to Ségou, I’ll have to stay with relatives in Bamako.”

The company’s manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that five buses were destroyed by militants last Saturday as part of the blockade enforcement. With safety concerns at the forefront, the company has temporarily halted all departures and arrivals in Bamako.