Maha Christopher
Muslims in Mali’s capital, Bamako, are facing a painful Eid celebration away from their families after jihadist fighters imposed a blockade on major roads leading into the city, disrupting travel and worsening shortages across the country.
According to AFP, fighters linked to Al Qaeda’s Sahel branch have, since late April, blocked key access routes into Bamako, setting buses and freight trucks ablaze and creating widespread fear among travelers ahead of the Eid celebration, locally known as Tabaski.
The blockade has forced thousands of residents to abandon long standing family traditions tied to the religious festival, one of the most important celebrations in Mali.
“For the first time in 30 years living in Bamako, I’ll be celebrating Eid here this year,” Alpha Amadou, a resident originally from Mopti in central Mali, told AFP.
Although the blockade is said to be partial, disturbing images of burned vehicles along major highways have discouraged transport companies from operating and travelers from attempting journeys to their hometowns.
Usually bustling motor parks in Bamako have reportedly become unusually quiet as insecurity and fuel shortages continue to cripple transportation services.
A travel agency owner, who spoke anonymously, lamented the economic impact of the crisis, saying several buses had already been destroyed in recent attacks while diesel scarcity had further worsened operations.
“Normally, we could transport more than 50,000 people from Bamako to other regions in a week for Tabaski. This year, we’re not planning any trips,” a transport company manager said.
Residents who would typically travel in groups to celebrate Eid with relatives say the roads have become too dangerous for movement.
“It will be the first time in 30 years I won’t celebrate in my village. The road is too dangerous,” said Wara Bagayoko, who usually travels to Segou with his family for the holiday.
The insecurity has also disrupted Mali’s livestock trade, a major part of the Eid celebration where families traditionally slaughter sheep.
Traders and herders are reportedly struggling to move animals into Bamako, causing a sharp rise in prices and severe shortages in the capital.
A sheep seller in Bamako, Hama Ba, said many trucks transporting livestock had been attacked and burned by jihadists.
“Sheep we used to buy for 75,000 francs are now going for 300,000,” another resident identified as Iyi said while searching for an affordable ram.
The crisis has also extended to basic social services in Bamako, where residents are battling prolonged electricity blackouts and water shortages.
Tailors preparing festive outfits for the celebration say the constant power outages have delayed production, while families fear food and meat purchased for Eid may spoil because of unreliable electricity supply.
Authorities in recent days announced the arrival of hundreds of fuel tankers into Bamako in an effort to ease the worsening shortages, but for many residents, hopes of travelling home for Eid this year has already faded.
