escalating jihadist blockade sparks bus burnings near Bamako
Armed men torched multiple buses on Saturday, May 16, along the Bamako-Ségou corridor near the classified Faya forest. Witnesses reported that passengers were forcibly removed before the vehicles were set ablaze.
Gunfire erupted when some drivers hesitated to comply with the attackers’ demands, leaving several wounded and at least seven buses reduced to smoldering wrecks.
Jihadist siege tightens around capital
Since April 30, armed groups linked to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaïda affiliate, have enforced a road blockade on key routes leading to Bamako. This escalation follows coordinated attacks across the country late last month.
Economic strain ahead of Tabaski
The blockade is crippling supplies to the capital, particularly livestock ahead of the Tabaski festival. Trucks carrying sheep have also been torched in recent weeks, deepening shortages and alarming traders.
