Gao Governor Issues Stern Warning: Transporting Gasoline by Canoe to Mopti Now Treated as Terrorism
In a decisive move to address a critical fuel shortage and the severe risks associated with its illicit transport, the Governor of the Gao Region, General Mahamane Touré, has announced a sweeping ban on the transportation of gasoline from Gao to the Mopti region via canoe. The announcement, made during a high-stakes meeting on Thursday, October 30, 2025, was accompanied by a chilling ultimatum: violators will be punished with the same severity as terrorists.
A Crisis Meeting at the Governorate
The main conference hall of the Gao Governorate was the scene of a crucial gathering, bringing together local authorities, major regional stakeholders, and concerned citizens. The sole item on the agenda was the escalating fuel crisis that has gripped the region, causing economic disruption and public alarm. The transport of gasoline by canoe across the Niger River has been identified as a primary culprit, exacerbating shortages in Gao while creating a perilous and unregulated supply chain to neighboring Mopti.
Governor Touré did not mince words in his address to the assembly. He framed the issue not merely as an economic or logistical problem, but as a direct threat to public safety and regional stability. The practice of ferrying highly flammable fuel in small, often overloaded, traditional boats presents a clear and present danger of catastrophic accidents, including fires and explosions that could claim countless lives on the water.
A Zero-Tolerance Stance on Fuel Trafficking
The most striking element of the governor’s declaration was the unprecedented severity of the promised penalties. By equating the illicit transport of gasoline with acts of terrorism, the regional government is signaling a radical shift in its enforcement strategy. This classification suggests that individuals caught defying the ban could face the harshest legal consequences available under Malian law, potentially including lengthy prison sentences and significant financial penalties typically reserved for those threatening national security.
This hardline approach underscores the gravity with which the authorities view the situation. The fuel shortage in Gao is more than an inconvenience; it is a stranglehold on local commerce, transportation, and daily life. By diverting large quantities of gasoline to Mopti via these dangerous river routes, traffickers are directly contributing to the economic paralysis of the Gao region. The governor’s threat is a clear attempt to dismantle this black-market network by instilling fear in those who profit from it.
Understanding the Risks Behind the Ban
For outsiders, the ban might seem extreme, but a closer look at the context reveals a multi-faceted crisis. The Niger River, a vital lifeline for communities across Mali, is not designed for the transport of hazardous materials like gasoline. Canoes, or pirogues, offer no protection against leaks, spills, or the intense heat of the Sahelian sun. A single spark could turn a vessel into a fireball, endangering not only the crew but also other river users and communities along the banks.
Furthermore, this unregulated trade fuels more than just vehicles; it can also fuel instability. The potential for these smuggled goods to fall into the hands of armed groups operating in the region cannot be discounted. By cracking down on this supply route, the governor aims to cut off a potential source of funding and logistics for malicious actors, thereby strengthening the security situation in central Mali.
What Comes Next for Gao and Mopti?
The immediate aftermath of this declaration will be closely watched. The success of the ban hinges on rigorous enforcement by security forces along the river and at fuel depots in Gao. The government will likely need to implement a robust monitoring system and offer transparent, legal alternatives for the distribution of fuel to alleviate the legitimate needs of the Mopti region without resorting to deadly and illegal methods.
The population of Gao, long suffering from the consequences of this illicit trade, will be hoping that the governor’s strong words translate into tangible results. A resolution to the fuel crisis in northern Mali would provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and restore a sense of normalcy. However, the threat of punishing violators “with the severity of a terrorist” sets a dramatic precedent, raising questions about its implementation and the broader implications for civil liberties in a region already grappling with complex security challenges.
This bold policy from the Gao governorate marks a critical juncture in the region’s ongoing struggle with economic and security woes. The coming weeks will reveal whether this severe deterrent is enough to stop the dangerous flow of gasoline on the river and bring relief to a beleaguered population.
Credit: Mahamane TOURÉ – NOUVEL HORIZON. For the complete original article, find the NOUVEL HORIZON from Tuesday, November 04, 2025.