Mopti’s Ongoing Darkness: A City in Crisis
The Malian city of Mopti has been engulfed in darkness for weeks, as a fuel blockade by jihadists linked to al-Qaeda has crippled power supplies. For over a month, the people of Mopti—once one of Mali’s most vibrant and bustling cities—have lived without electricity. The lights went out in early October, and they have not returned since.
This blackout is the result of a blockade imposed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an armed group affiliated with al-Qaeda. In early September, JNIM announced it was cutting off fuel supplies to much of central Mali. Since then, the group has been attacking fuel tankers, causing widespread disruption across the country.
Impact on Daily Life
Mopti, a riverside trading hub home to more than 560,000 people, has been among the worst affected. Power cuts were already common in the region, but the blockade has left fuel nearly nonexistent. Generators have fallen silent, and solar panels are now the city’s only lifeline—powering parts of the main hospital and allowing residents to charge their phones for just a few minutes at a time.
The situation has led to what many describe as a “catastrophic” crisis. Mohamed Sanous Nientao, a Mopti native who now lives in exile, described the experience as “a total blackout.” He said that since 7 October, there has been no electricity at all. “For residents, it’s catastrophic,” he added.
Nientao, a former local politician and businessman, once led the Mopti branch of the UDD, an opposition party that has since been dissolved along with all political organizations under Mali’s military-led transition. Despite being abroad, he remains in close contact with his hometown and describes a city at breaking point.
“Economically, there’s no work, so no income,” he told RFI. “We get a few hours of water distribution, but even that is uncertain. With the security situation, we’re practically cut off from Bamako. The road is controlled by jihadist groups, and with the fuel shortage, the price of a bus ticket to the capital has exploded.”
Economic and Social Consequences
Nientao emphasized that the situation in Mopti is unlike anything the city has experienced before. “We’ve never experienced anything like this in Mopti. It’s unbearable.”
The economic impact has been severe. With no electricity, businesses have struggled to operate, and the lack of fuel has made transportation nearly impossible. The city’s economy is now near a standstill, with many families unable to afford basic necessities.
Nientao appealed to Mali’s junta for help, urging them to provide at least one hour of electricity each day. “We know the authorities can’t fix everything overnight,” he said. “But we’re asking for at least one hour of electricity each day. The country is under attack from an extremist force. We have to stand together, but to do that, people need food, fuel and the means to live.”
“We’re now in a position where we’re begging for a single hour of power.”
Government Response and Challenges
Earlier this week, Mali’s interim president, Assimi Goïta, acknowledged the crisis and stated that the government was working to find solutions. “Some of the answers must also come from families,” he added, urging Malians to limit travel, show solidarity and avoid panic.
However, the situation remains dire, with no clear end in sight. The blockade by JNIM continues to disrupt fuel supplies, and the lack of electricity has deepened the humanitarian crisis in Mopti.
Looking Ahead
As negotiations with jihadist groups stall, the pressure on Mali’s government to resolve the fuel crisis grows. The people of Mopti are hoping for a breakthrough, but for now, the city remains in darkness, struggling to survive in the face of an ongoing emergency.