In Bamako, Mali's capital city, the familiar sounds of car engines and horns have been replaced by those of shuffling feet.
Residents push depleted motorcycles through the city's dusty roads, frustrated by the fuel blockade that has paralysed Mali for more than two months.
Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has been attacking tankers bringing fuel into Mali, broadening its years-long insurgency to include economic warfare.
JNIM's fighters have kidnapped drivers and torched more than 100 trucks bound for Bamako.
Daily life has been upended for millions of Malians - schools and universities had to close, food prices have surged and hospitals are battling power cuts.
The fuel shortage has prompted warnings from the US urging citizens not to travel to Mali, while France has advised its nationals to leave as soon as possible.
We're here waiting for fuel, and we've been here for more than four days now, Sidi Djiré, a taxi driver in Bamako, commented.
As petrol prices surged and public transport fares tripled, many have resorted to walking long distances to work.
At Baco Djicoroni market, customer Assitan Diarra expressed despair, stating, Times are really tough right now. But what can we do? We are at war. We pray that God brings ease and peace to our country.
Behind the chaos seems a strategic move by the jihadists to strain the military-led government of Colonel Assimi Goïta, who pledged to address security concerns after a coup five years ago. The blockade not only highlights the government's vulnerabilities but also deepens Mali’s reliance on external partners, specifically Russia, which has begun supplying emergency fuel amidst ongoing insurgency.
The crisis triggers fears of rising crime due to desperation among citizens affected by the shortages, leading to a worsening security situation.
