Mali Frees over 100 Suspected Jihadists to Halt Fuel Convoy Attacks

More than 100 persons suspected of jihadist activities have been released by authorities in Mali under a negotiated arrangement aimed at ending attacks on fuel convoys.

The deal follows months of assaults by militants linked to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, which had targeted tanker routes since September, severely disrupting fuel distribution.

A local official confirmed the development, stating that the detainees were freed in exchange for safe passage for tanker convoys transporting fuel across affected regions.

According to the source, “the release of more than 100 jihadists” was carried out in exchange for “the opening of a corridor to allow convoys of tanker lorries to pass through.”

Another official added, “more than a hundred young people accused of being jihadists have been released by the state security services,” noting that fuel convoys have not been attacked since the arrangement took effect.

Security sources indicated that the ceasefire is expected to hold until the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, locally known as Tabaski.

The release reportedly includes several members of the Fulani ethnic group, who are often accused of links to insurgent activities in the region.

Mali has faced persistent insecurity since 2012, driven by extremist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, alongside local armed networks, with attacks continuing to threaten both lives and economic stability.