by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Kuehne+Nagel has been closely monitoring developments in Mali since September, when attacks on fuel tankers by militants first occurred.

The security situation has deteriorated further, prompting the decision to temporarily suspend all shipments to Mali until further notice.

This measure has direct consequences for neighbouring countries, particularly the Ivory Coast and Senegal, as the primary gateways for cargo destined for Bamako are through Dakar and Abidjan.

Trucking companies are increasingly hesitant to transport goods into Mali. Some have implemented additional safety protocols, including the use of security escorts.

As a result, Kuehne+Nagel has opted to avoid shipments bound for Mali until conditions improve.

According to Reuters, the United States has issued a warning advising American citizens in Mali to depart immediately via commercial flights.

This advisory comes as the Malian government faces mounting pressure from insurgents affiliated with al Qaeda, who have imposed a blockade on fuel imports.

The group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin announced the blockade in early September and has since targeted convoys of fuel tankers attempting to enter Mali or reach the capital, Bamako.

The current environment in Mali is marked by increased security risks and operational challenges for logistics providers.