'Business is at a standstill' - Mali jihadists' fuel blockade hits the capital

The article discusses the impact of a fuel blockade imposed by jihadist groups in Mali. The blockade has led to a shortage of fuel in the capital, Bamako, with pumps running dry for over a week. The situation has severely affected businesses and daily life in the city. To alleviate the crisis, the military has escorted over 300 petrol tankers to Bamako. However, the supply remains limited, and the distribution is being closely monitored to ensure fair allocation. The fuel shortage has disrupted transportation, commerce, and essential services, with reports of businesses being "at a standstill." The article highlights the ongoing security challenges in Mali, where jihadist groups have been active in disrupting the country's infrastructure and economy. The fuel blockade is seen as a tactic by these groups to exert pressure on the government and the population, further exacerbating the already fragile situation in the region.