Mali blocus of Bamako threatens civilian safety and food security

The ongoing blockade of Bamako is causing unacceptable hardships for civilians, threatening their right to food, health, and safety, Amnesty International warned today, urging the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilian lives.

Since April 28, three major roads leading into Bamako have been blocked after the GSIM, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated armed group, declared a siege on the Malian capital. On May 6, the group targeted a convoy of civilian trucks carrying goods—including produce—between Bamako and Bougouni. According to reports, the trucks were not under military escort and contained no weapons or personnel.

« Attacks on civilian vehicles in peacetime or conflict are unlawful. International humanitarian law mandates that all parties in armed conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants. Deliberate attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, or essential goods—such as food, fuel, or medical supplies—are strictly prohibited, » stated Marceau Sivieude, Regional Director for West and Central Africa at Amnesty International.

Blockades must not strip civilians of their economic and social rights.

Marceau Sivieude, Regional Director, Amnesty International (West and Central Africa)

Unlawful blockade disrupts vital supply routes

On April 28, a GSIM spokesperson announced the blockade in a video statement, expanding restrictions beyond fuel trucks—which were targeted in a previous blockade—to include all commercial traffic entering Bamako. By May 15, at least three of the six primary routes connecting the capital to regional hubs were compromised, severely disrupting the flow of essential goods.

Residents and media outlets have reported sharp increases in the cost of basic necessities as supply chains collapse. « Blockades cannot come at the expense of civilians’ economic survival. The GSIM must comply with international humanitarian law, ensuring Bamako’s population has uninterrupted access to clean water, food, and medical supplies, » Sivieude emphasized.

On May 5, the UN Human Rights Office called for an immediate end to hostilities, reiterating the obligation of all conflict parties to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The GSIM announced a partial easing of the blockade on May 6, permitting medical personnel to enter Bamako. However, Amnesty International has not yet verified whether this measure is being enforced.

GSIM’s deadly assault on a fuel convoy detailed

A survivor of a previous GSIM blockade—one that targeted fuel tankers—shared harrowing accounts of the January 29, 2026 attack. The driver, who requested anonymity, described being part of a military-escorted convoy of tankers between Diboli and Kayes when they were ambushed by over 200 armed assailants on motorcycles.

« We were attacked 20 kilometers from Diboli. The jihadists opened fire without warning. Three military trucks arrived as reinforcements, but the soldiers were killed, and their vehicles set ablaze. At least 12 drivers and apprentices were captured, forced to dig graves for fallen attackers, and then brutally executed, » the driver recounted.

« The GSIM must halt all attacks targeting civilians—including indiscriminate violence—immediately. Mali’s authorities must investigate these atrocities, which may constitute war crimes. Survivors and victims of international crimes deserve truth, justice, and reparations, » Sivieude declared.

Escalating violence and regional instability

On April 25, the GSIM and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) launched coordinated attacks in Bamako, Kati, Mopti, Sévaré, Gao, and Kidal, striking military bases and the homes of political and military leaders. In Kati, the assassination of Defense Minister Sadio Camara and several family members followed an improvised explosive device attack on his residence.

On May 6, GSIM militants struck villages in central Mali, including Kori Kori and Gomassagou, resulting in heavy casualties. Local sources reported at least 40 deaths and multiple disappearances amid widespread destruction.