Niger has revoked the licences of about 30 transport operators and truck drivers who refused to transport fuel to neighbouring Mali, which is grappling with shortages caused by a jihadist blockade.
The move comes as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso—three Sahel nations now under military rule—continue to strengthen their alliance amid escalating jihadist attacks across the region.
Mali, a landlocked country, experienced a severe fuel crisis in October and November after militants from the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-linked group, disrupted fuel supply routes to several towns.
To ease the shortage, oil-producing Niger planned to dispatch 82 fuel tankers to Bamako, Mali’s capital, covering about 1,400 kilometres under military escort.
However, according to a statement from Niger’s Ministry of Transport seen by AFP, the authorities revoked the licences of 14 transport companies and 19 drivers who declined to take part in the operation. Another operator was handed a one-year suspension.
Transport Minister Abdourahamane Amadou described the refusal as a serious breach of legal and regulatory obligations.
Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States and announced the creation of a 5,000-strong joint force, with their armies already conducting coordinated operations against jihadist groups.
Despite the planned fuel shipments, supply disruptions continue to affect parts of Mali, including Bamako airport, where several flights have reportedly been cancelled in recent days.
