Mali shuts schools for two weeks over fuel shortage tied to blockade

Mali’s government ordered a two-week nationwide closure of schools and universities beginning Sunday after a severe fuel shortage hampered the ability of staff and other workers to travel to classrooms and campuses. Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced on state television that classes would be suspended until Nov. 10 "due to disruptions in fuel supplies that are affecting the movement of school staff."

The shortage stems from a blockade on fuel imports declared in early September by Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an armed group linked to al-Qaida, which has attacked convoys and cut shipments of petroleum entering the landlocked country. Authorities say the blockade has left hundreds of fuel tankers stranded at border crossings and forced some stations in the capital, Bamako, to close. Long queues have formed outside pumps and transport and commodity costs have risen, officials and analysts report.

Malian forces have attempted to escort some fuel convoys from border areas to Bamako. Some shipments reached the capital, but others were intercepted and attacked en route, according to government statements. An interministerial crisis committee has imposed restrictions...