Mali Releases 100+ Jihadist Detainees to End JNIM Fuel Blockade

Mali's military junta finalized a controversial deal with JNIM, releasing over 100 suspected jihadist detainees in exchange for the militant group opening a corridor to allow fuel tanker convoys to reach Bamako. The agreement ends a seven-month blockade (September 2025–March 2026) that had caused fuel prices to surge by more than 400 percent, forced school and business closures, and disrupted electricity supply. A local elected official confirmed the prisoner release to AFP. The truce is reportedly valid until Eid al-Adha (late May 2026), after which the situation remains unresolved. Analysts warn the deal sets a dangerous precedent that incentivizes further economic warfare by jihadist groups.