Mali’s Fuel Crisis: Expert Argues for Smarter Security, Not More Troops
In the face of a persistent fuel crisis crippling daily life in Mali, civil society analyst Moctar Ousmane Sy has emerged with a clear-eyed assessment. Rather than calling for a further military build-up, he proposes a strategy of enhanced coordination and targeted security to unclog vital supply corridors. In an exclusive interview, Sy outlines pragmatic, short-term solutions that focus on optimizing existing resources.
Rethinking Corridor Security
How can Mali strengthen the security of its supply corridors without overstretching an army already deployed on multiple fronts?
For Sy, the answer is not simply pouring more soldiers into the problem. “Securing corridors does not necessarily mean deploying more troops,” he asserts. “It’s about recognizing the efforts already made and securing priority routes in a targeted manner.”
He advocates for a smarter approach built on three pillars: better coordination between the various security forces already in place, robust information sharing at the local level, and a precise identification of the most vulnerable stretches of road. The objective is to make current security measures more effective without adding pressure to overstretched units. It is, in essence, a mission to optimize resources rather than disperse them further.
Breaking the Dependency Cycle
What viable alternatives exist for Mali to reduce its heavy reliance on fuel from the ports of Abidjan and Dakar?
Diversification is the cornerstone of Sy’s proposal. Relying on a single route or a lone port, he argues, creates a fragile supply chain vulnerable to disruption. “If alternative routes are identified and made operational, even gradually, this can significantly reduce the risk of crippling shortages,” Sy explains. He acknowledges this is not an overnight fix but a necessary logistical strategy that must be pursued with determination.
The Strategic Reserve Question
Does Mali truly have the capacity to build genuine strategic fuel reserves to act as a buffer during crises?
While challenging, Sy believes it is an indispensable undertaking. “Strengthening strategic reserves is necessary to cope with periods of tension,” he states. This requires long-term planning and foresight. Even with limited resources, he contends that gradually building storage capacity is feasible if it is embedded within a clear, state-level strategy with defined objectives and consistent monitoring.
The Human Element in Crisis Management
How can transporters and local authorities be concretely involved in managing this ongoing crisis?
Sy emphasizes that those on the front lines hold the key to more fluid logistics. “We need to actively involve transporters, local authorities, and all sector stakeholders,” he insists. “They are the ones who know the roads, the risks, and the daily realities.” He sees formalized dialogue with these groups, including representatives from directly affected areas, as a critical step toward facilitating convoy movement and reducing the risk of incidents. In the complex puzzle of Mali’s fuel crisis, Sy concludes that coordination is the missing piece.
Source: Journal du Mali