Thousands of residents of are unable to travel home for Eid celebrations after jihadist fighters cut off major routes leading into the capital, .
The blockade, imposed since late April by an Al-Qaeda-linked group operating in the Sahel, has disrupted transport services and left many families stranded in the city ahead of the Muslim festival locally known as Tabaski.
Alpha Amadou, a resident originally from Mopti, said he would miss celebrating with his family for the first time in three decades.
“For the first time in 30 years living in Bamako, I’ll celebrate Eid here,” he told AFP.
Armed fighters have reportedly attacked vehicles and burned several buses and freight trucks along key highways into the capital. Although movement has not been completely halted, fears of attacks have forced many transport operators to suspend services.
Usually, Tabaski is a major reunion period for families across Mali, with thousands travelling from Bamako to their hometowns. However, bus terminals that are normally crowded before the festival have remained unusually quiet this year.
Transport operators say the insecurity, combined with fuel shortages, has severely affected business.
One transport company manager said they would not organise any Eid trips this year, despite normally moving tens of thousands of passengers during the holiday season.
Many residents who previously travelled by private vehicles or motorcycles have also abandoned their plans because of safety concerns.
The transport disruption has further worsened the supply of livestock needed for the traditional Eid sacrifice.
Livestock traders say many trucks conveying sheep to Bamako have been attacked or destroyed, causing prices to skyrocket. Animals previously sold for about 75,000 CFA francs are now reportedly costing as much as 300,000 CFA francs, placing them beyond the reach of many families.
Residents are also struggling with worsening electricity blackouts and water shortages in the city.
Tailors preparing festive outfits say constant power cuts have slowed production, while families fear food and meat could spoil quickly due to lack of electricity.
Although authorities recently announced the arrival of hundreds of fuel tankers to ease shortages, many residents say the festive season has already been overshadowed by insecurity and hardship.
AFP.
