Mali denies freeing 200 suspected terrorists in exchange for uninterrupted fuel supply

The Malian army has denied releasing around 200 suspected terrorists in mid-March to secure an end to attacks on fuel convoys.

"These remarks, reported by certain media outlets, are intended to tarnish Mali's image and undermine trust between the people and their institutions, and particularly between the Malian people and their defence and security forces", Souleymane Dembele, director of information and public relations for the armed forces, told a press briefing on Monday.

"This is pure manipulation, completely unfounded and lacking any reliable source", he said.

Since September 2025, an Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group has been attacking tanker convoys, bringing the capital Bamako to a standstill at the height of the crisis in October.

Diesel shortage

Bamako residents also faced a diesel shortage at the beginning of March, with fuel being prioritised for use in the energy sector.

Since 2012, Mali has faced a severe security threat from groups affiliated with Al Qaeda, as well as local criminal gangs.