Niger Takes Firm Action: Tanker Drivers' Licenses Revoked Amid Mali Fuel Crisis

Tue Jan 13 2026 22:34:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Niger's transport ministry has taken decisive action against tanker drivers refusing to deliver fuel to Mali, where jihadist attacks pose significant risks.

In response to the ongoing fuel blockade in Mali imposed by jihadist groups, Niger has revoked the licenses of several transport operators and drivers who refused to deliver fuel shipments. The blockade, started by an al-Qaeda affiliate, has hindered Mali's fuel imports and made the journey perilous, even under military escorts. The official statement underscores the legal obligations of transport operators amidst rising tensions in the region.

Niger has revoked the licences of dozens of transport operators and drivers for refusing to deliver fuel to neighbouring Mali where they face possible attacks by jihadists.

An al-Qaeda affiliate imposed a fuel blockade on Mali in September and began attacking petrol tankers on major highways.

The landlocked country depends on fuel imports and in July had signed a deal with Niger to supply 85 million litres of fuel over six months to its vast, northern desert region, where various militant groups operate.

Niger is an oil-producing country and a major ally of Mali - both run by military juntas which face jihadist violence.

The fuel convoys from Niger making the journey crossing a route of 1,400km (870 miles) have faced jihadist attacks even under military escort.

Last November, Niger delivered 82 fuel tankers to Mali, but the situation worsened with new refusals from drivers.

Niger's Transport Minister Abdourahamane Amadou stated that the refusal constitutes a serious violation of legal obligations, leading to the revocation of the licences of 14 transport operators and 19 drivers. The militant group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has resorted to kidnappings and attacks during this blockade.

Concerns about the fuel shortage are escalating internationally, with advisories issued against traveling to Mali as the impact is severely felt across the region.