Niger Revokes Truck Drivers' Licenses for Fuel Delivery Refusal to Mali

Niger Revokes Licenses of Dozens of Transport Operators

Niger has revoked the licenses of 14 transport operators and 19 drivers who refused to deliver fuel to Mali, a country currently facing attacks from jihadists. Since September of last year, Mali has been under a blockade on fuel imports imposed by extremist groups. This landlocked nation relies heavily on fuel imports and, in July, signed an agreement with Niger to receive 85 million liters of fuel over the next six months to support its vast northern region.

The militant group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has enforced the blockade, expanding its insurgency, which includes attacks on fuel convoys. Last November, Niger supplied 82 truckloads of fuel to Mali, aiding in stabilizing energy supplies.

Niger's Minister of Transport has stated that the refusal to transport fuel constitutes a serious violation of legal and regulatory obligations. These restrictions come amid worsening insecurity, as Mali faces temporary school and university closures due to a severe fuel shortage, which has raised international concerns.